Professor Chris Jewell, Head of MARS, Professor of Statistics

Chris works at the interface of epidemiology, computing, and statistics, creating methods for training and prediction using probabilistic state-transition models. In particular, he focuses on Bayesian stochastic epidemic models, using Monte Carlo methods for training and prediction. He is highly interested in computer science and research software engineering, and supports an amazing team of PhD students, postdocs, and RSEs.

Chris currently leads the MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems section at Lancaster University, as well as leading initiatives in Data Engineering within Lancaster’s Data Science Institute.

Email: c.jewell@lancaster.ac.uk

Professor Andrew Baggaley, Professor of Mathematics and AI

Andrew’s main research interest is turbulence in quantum fluids such as superfluid helium, and how this form of turbulence compares to the classical form. His research also spans a number of fields in mathematical biology. He is interested in the interaction between fluid motion and microbial or animal behaviour, including the behaviour of gyrotatic organisms in the presence of complex fluid motions and exploring how the presence of underlying fluid motion can aid our understanding of how animals exhibit collective motion. More recently, he has become involved in a number of projects attempting to understand the spread of tree disease in UK forests.

Andrew is also interested in mathematical modelling for archaeology particularly in relation to understanding the spread of farming in the Neolithic epoch.

Email: a.baggaley1@lancaster.ac.uk

Professor Chris Nemeth, Professor of Mathematical AI

Chris’s research is in the areas of computational statistics and probabilistic machine learning, specifically Markov chain Monte Carlo, sequential Monte Carlo, Gaussian processes and approximate Bayesian computation.

His current research focuses on gradient flow methods for the development of optimisation and sampling algorithms to efficiently estimate the parameters of large-scale models. Applications of his research have had an impact in a variety of areas, including target tracking, environmental science and econometrics.

Chris is Co-Director of Lancaster's Data Science and AI Institute, Academic Liaison to the Turing University Network and was recently elected to the Royal Statistical Society Council.

Email: c.nemeth@lancaster.ac.uk

Dr Zoe Bolton, MARS Project Manager

Zoe is an experienced research manager with a background in project management, strategic communications and partnership building. She joined MARS as Project Manager in August 2024 and has previous HE experience in a partnership and communications role and research development management. In the past, she has worked in marketing and public relations, and as a journalist for the national press.

Zoe has a particular interest in interdisciplinary research, research translation and effective science communication.

Email: z.bolton@lancaster.ac.uk

Amanda Fenwick, MARS Centre Administrator

Amanda is the centre administrator for MARS, providing day-to-day administrative support to the team for the management of the programme. She has worked at Lancaster for over 15 years, with extensive experience as an administrator in several roles including the Data Science Institute and the FST Faculty Office. She most recently worked as a Research Costing Administrator in the Research Support Office.

Amanda’s background, prior to Lancaster University, was in financial services and banking.

Email: a.fenwick@lancaster.ac.uk

Carolyn Hayes, MARS Partnership Development Manager

Carolyn is responsible for connecting industry and academia to enable research that’s impactful and relevant. Over the past 16 years she’s worked across various faculties, gaining a broad understanding of the university landscape and how to build effective collaborations.

Carolyn’s passion lies in creating connections - linking people, ideas and opportunities that might not come together otherwise. She enjoys the challenge of matching academic expertise with external needs, helping to shape partnerships that deliver real-world outcomes.

Email: c.hayes2@lancaster.ac.uk