Originally from Philadelphia, Eric Hall is an Associate Professor in Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University and a Deputy Director of M-DICE: Mathematics-Driven Innovation Centre. He took his first degree in Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his PhD in Mathematics (Probability and Stochastic Analysis) at the University of Edinburgh. His career has included positions at KTH Stockholm, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, RWTH Aachen University, and the University of Dundee. His research focuses on stochastic and predictive modelling, simulation, and uncertainty quantification. He values collaborative, domain-led research and outward-facing work in the mathematical sciences and also contributes to the wider mathematical community through service with the Edinburgh Mathematical Society, where he is currently Meetings and Membership Secretary.

Eric's research interests lie in uncertainty quantification, stochastic and predictive modelling, and simulation for complex systems, including stochastic systems with memory and multiscale phenomena. He works on mathematically grounded methods that combine data with scientific and computational models, with particular interests in surrogate modelling, scientific machine learning, structured probabilistic methods, and information-theoretic methods. A recurring theme in his work is the development of interpretable, decision-relevant tools for domain-led challenges.

Eric is currently contributing to EPSRC-funded research in the defence and national security space, including the AiTASHA consortium, which is developing explainable, defensible AI to support intelligence analysis in partnership with government and academic collaborators. He is also developing further activity in this area through new proposals and collaborations.

• https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/partnering-with-the-epsrc-funds-vital-defence-research
• https://www.turing.ac.uk/news/new-research-consortium-will-use-ai-support-and-enhance-intelligence-analysis-national

Knowledge Exchange

Eric is strongly committed to knowledge exchange in the mathematical sciences and enjoys co-developing projects with external partners through study groups, workshops, consultancy, and other collaborative, problem-led activities. His work in this area focuses on transforming mathematical ideas into practical tools, partnerships, and decisions. This includes his association with Heriot-Watt's Mathematics-Driven Innovation Centre (M-DICE https://mdice.site.hw.ac.uk/), which connects mathematical and statistical expertise with external organisations to address real-world challenges.

Teaching

Eric's teaching emphasises active, experiential learning that builds confidence as well as technical competence. He aims to help students think critically, engage with real-world problems, and develop quantitative skills in inclusive learning environments that support dialogue, reflection, and practical problem solving. He has taught undergraduate and postgraduate modules across areas including probability, statistics, and mathematical problem solving.

Eric Hall is an Associate Professor in Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University whose research combines rigorous mathematical thinking with practical challenges, developing tools that help people make better decisions from complex data and models. He is especially enthusiastic about knowledge exchange, public engagement, and collaborative work, and enjoys bringing mathematics into conversation with researchers, external partners, and wider audiences, including through outreach and Open Days. He is available for media comment on uncertainty, prediction, simulation, and applied mathematics.