About Me

Christopher Prior

I am a Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Durham University. My research and teaching focus on applied mathematics and applications of topological methods. I primarily work in two fields The first, magnetic field topology, with a view to modelling astrophysical plasmas, in particular the Sun. The second is mathematical biology. I have two current long term projects in this field, the first concerns the topology, structure and dynamics of proteins in solution. The second concerns the mechanics and topology of biofilaments.

For more information, visit my Durham University Staff Profile.

Research

I am a member of the Applied Mathematics Research Group at Durham University. My work explores the intersection of mathematics and real-world applications, aiming to solve complex problems through innovative methods. Our group covers a diverse range of topics including astrophysical plasmas, geophysical flows, dynamical systems in a biological context, developmental biology, active fluid systems and ecological systems.


Research snapshots

Solar magnetic structure and topology diagnostics
Solar magnetic topology: helicity, structure, and diagnostics in active regions.
Geometric/topological decomposition of entanglement
Linking / writhe / winding: clarifying foundational invariants.
Local topology in protein/biopolymer structures
Biopolymers/proteins: topology and geometry at functional scales.

For a fuller overview, see my Projects page.

Teaching

In Epiphany term 2026 I teach Mathematical Methods II. The course notes can be found here.

In 2025-2026 I will be offering the following 4th year project Project IV: Reaction Diffusion Modelling of DNA NanoTriangles and Chiral Systems

In 2025-2026 I will be offering the following 3rd year project Project III: Contact Forms and Knotted Vector Fields