A record number of mathematical science students will descend upon Canberra this January to attend the 12th AMSI Summer School, thanks to co-funding from the Department of Education.
The honours and postgraduate students are given a unique opportunity to spend four weeks immersing themselves in niche subjects, mastering new skills and further developing their core mathematical skills in preparation for a research degree or employment.
An exciting addition to this year’s program, scientists from the Australian Defence, Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) will introduce students to some of the mathematics integral to DSTO’s work. This will include some of the current studies taking place at the Australian Maritime College’s Cavitation Research Laboratory — one of the few experimental laboratories in the world used to test the hydrodynamic behaviour and stability of submarines and other maritime vessels used by the Royal Australian Navy.
Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, said: ‘The breadth of mathematical applications are profound… Mathematical skills are essential for our work here at the DSTO.’
And it isn’t just our defence force that benefits from high-end mathematical skills. Improving productivity and competitiveness is key to building a strong, prosperous economy. However, we tend to overlook that mathematically capable professionals are vital at every step of this process — even the mathematically capable themselves.
With this in mind, the Summer School boasts an extremely successful Careers Afternoon for students to connect with industry and explore the diverse possibilities a degree in the mathematical sciences brings.
Mahrita Harahap attended the 2013 Summer School: ‘The AMSI Summer School offered some very niche subjects that most universities can’t provide. I met world famous mathematicians, the lectures were fantastic – it’s been great for professional networking.’
Science and research are what drive productivity and innovation globally. Presently, Australia is in critical need of graduates from the mathematical sciences — a Monash University Centre of Policy Study has projected that the need for PhD graduates in the Mathematical Sciences will increase by 55.6 per cent by the year 2020.
Programs such as the AMSI Summer School are essential in order for Australia to remain competitive on a global stage.
Details:
6 – 31 January, 2014
The Australian National University, Canberra
For Interview:
Prof. Geoff Prince, AMSI Director
T: 03 8344 1779
M: 0407 546 336
E: director@amsi.org.au
Media Contact:
Stéphanie Pradier
M: 0424 568 314
E: stephanie@amsi.org.au
