Keith Ball is a pure mathematician who specialises in the fields of functional analysis and information theory. In collaboration, he solved a longstanding question in information theory concerning whether the central limit theorem of probability is driven by an analogue of the second law of thermodynamics. Keith’s solution made use of a new formula for information.
Among Keith’s proofs in functional analysis is one relating to Tarski’s ‘plank’ problem in many dimensions. The plank problem derives its name from a question concerning the minimum number of planks required to cover a convex tabletop.
During his career, Keith served as the scientific director of the . He has received the Whitehead Prize of the London Mathematical Society, amongst other awards. Keith is the author of (2006) — a recreational maths book aimed at those familiar with basic calculus.
Subject groups
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Mathematics
Pure mathematics
