On 4 December 2019 the 4th Annual Charlotte Scott Lecture in Mathematics was given in Isaac Newton Building of University of Lincoln by Ruth Kaufman OBE, FORS, FIMA, CSci, who was the President of the Operational Research Society in 2016–2017 and is now the Chair of the society’s Pro Bono Steering Group. This series of public lectures is named after Charlotte Scott (1858–1931), the famous mathematician born in Lincoln, who was also influential in developing  mathematical education of women and their participation in mathematical research. The lecture “Can maths save the world? An operational researcher’s perspective” raised important questions about the current problems facing the mankind, and how maths — and in particular, mathematical modelling and mathematical mindsets — can make a difference, and help save the world. The lecture attracted a big audience consisting of staff, students and members of the public, both from Lincoln and…