Erica Thompson

About the Author

Erica Thompson is a mathematician, physicist, and interdisciplinary researcher whose work bridges the gaps between science, policy, and society. With a PhD in applied mathematics and fellowships at prestigious institutions like the London School of Economics, she has dedicated her career to examining how mathematical models shape our understanding of complex systems, from climate change to economic forecasting. In her acclaimed book Escape from Model Land: How Mathematical Models Can Lead Us Astray and What We Can Do About It, Thompson demystifies the limitations of these tools, urging readers to approach them with critical awareness rather than blind faith. Her writing draws on real-world examples to highlight the human elements often overlooked in data-driven decisions, advocating for more robust, inclusive approaches to modeling that serve the public good. Beyond academia, she contributes to public discourse through essays, lectures, and collaborations that make rigorous science accessible to all.