About the lecture
Children’s early mathematics skills are fundamentally important for their future academic, health and wellbeing outcomes.
We know that, even at the earliest age, there are profound differences in mathematics attainment between children. There are many reasons for this: human development is a complex web of interacting factors.
In her Inaugural Lecture, Professor Simms will highlight how mathematical cognition provides a window to explore the complexity – and joy! – of early childhood development.
She will explore the evidence of what counts for early mathematical development and the evidence gaps that her research aims to fill.
In addition, she will discuss the importance of positive early mathematical experiences and how we can support these critical interactions.
She hopes that her lecture will inspire a recognition that emerging mathematical minds are fascinating – and worth understanding more deeply!
About the lecturer
Professor Victoria Simms completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at Queen's University Belfast in 2008. She then worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at several institutions – including Heriot Watt University, Queen's University Belfast and the University of Leicester
Joining Ulster University in 2013, she served as Director for Research in the School of Psychology (2018-26) and was promoted to Professor of Developmental Psychology in 2021. We welcomed her to the Centre for Mathematical Cognition in January 2026.
A developmental psychologist, Victoria’s interests lie in the development of mathematical thinking in children. Her work also focuses on the long-term consequences of preterm birth and other medical issues, specifically cognitive and educational outcomes.
Her current projects include cross-cultural comparisons of mathematical cognition, the influence of the home environment on early learning and interventions to help support children's learning.
Funding for her research has come from numerous organisations – including Action Medical Research, Nuffield Foundation, British Academy and the Global Challenges Research Fund – and she is a founding member of the ESRC funded Centre for Early Mathematical Learning (CEML) which explores early mathematical development and impact on children's learning experiences.
She is the Chair of the British Psychological Society Developmental Section and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Numerical Cognition. A passionate science communicator, she is the Chair of the Board of the Northern Ireland Science Festival.
For further information on this lecture, please contact the Events team.
