History of the Enigma Project

The Enigma Project was originally set up in 2002 by the science writer and broadcaster, Simon Singh (author of the best-selling 'Fermat's Last Theorem', 'The Code Book' and 'The Big Bang'). Simon Singh owns a genuine Enigma cipher machine that was built in 1936 and used by the Germans in France to send coded messages during WW2. It is one of only a few dozen known to be around today.

Simon Singh Image here

Simon Singh wanted to exploit the Enigma machine's potential as an educational resource and to allow as many people as possible to experience first-hand this rare historical object and to understand its scientific and cultural significance.

Since October 2004, the Enigma Project has been run under the wing of the Millennium Mathematics Project at the University of Cambridge and is one of a number of activities that aim to support maths education and promote the development of mathematical skills and understanding, particularly through enrichment and extension activities beyond the school curriculum.

The Enigma Project aims to get as many young people interested in maths, science and history as possible through the delivery of hands-on code breaking workshops in schools, museums and other educational establishments throughout the UK. Code making and breaking promotes problem solving skills and logical reasoning.