Dr Clare Dunning

Clare received a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Bath. Her degree included a placement year as a Technical Student at CERN. Her undergraduate studies were followed by a PhD in Mathematical Physics at Durham University. She subsequently held posts at the University of York and the University of Queensland before moving to the University of Kent in 2005.

At Kent she has held various roles in the School including Placement Officer, Director of Graduate Studies (Taught & Research), Director of Research and Head of the Mathematics group. From 2020-2023, she was the Director of Graduate Studies and PG Student experience in the Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, responsible for the taught and research students in the three schools. In 2023 she was appointed as Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science. She is currently the co-Deputy Head of the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics.

Clare's research interests lie in mathematical physics. Specifically classical and quantum integrable systems, Painleve equations, orthogonal polynomials, partition combinatorics, integrable quantum field theory, quantum spin chains and lattice models, and PT-symmetric quantum mechanics.

Clare believes in inspiring others to see the beauty and application of Mathematics. She is a STEM ambassador and Inspiring the Future – Inspiring Women volunteer and regularly runs interactive workshops in schools.  

Clare teaches across a range of course in applied mathematics.

Research candidates with an interest in quantum integrability, Painleve equations or partition combinatorics should contact Clare by email to discuss possible PhD projects.   

Clare has served on various national committees including the Institute of Physics Awards Committee (Medals and Prizes), the A-level Content Advisory Board for Mathematics, the A-level Mathematics Advisory Board, the Royal Society Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education’s Contact Group for A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics and has chaired the Institute of Physics Mathematical and Theoretical Physics special interest group. Clare has been a member of various committees of the Institute of Physics and is currently an elected member of the London Mathematical Society Council.  

Clare is a member of the Institute of Physics, the London Mathematical Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She belongs to the EPSRC and the UKRI Talent Peer Review colleges and is regularly called upon to participate in Grant Review panels.