Top mathematicians (academics) and PHD graduates from Universities around the UK came together at the University of Kent to solve maths and statistical challenges set by industry sponsors.
Originating in Oxford in 1968, the annual revolving event expanded in 1997 to become a large European event with similar workshops taking place throughout the continent. Across the five day workshop, the European Study Group with Industry (ESGI) brings mathematicians and industrialists together working side by side to solve the real and important issues that companies and other organisations are facing today. European Study Groups with Industry are an ECMI activity.
Last week’s workshop saw 5 challenges, sponsored by the Newton Institute of Mathematics, DSTL, GAM and the Met police. Groups of between 8-10 mathematicians work on individual problem set by a challenge provider or sponsor during the week. The first day involved the launch of the challenges, forming teams for each problem and clarifying questions, followed by 3 days working on the problem. The final day involved a presentation back to the industrial sponsor. A report will be written post event and supplied to each challenge provider, which may then be published. Take a look a the challenges below.
In this format, academics worked on challenging problems and published their findings, whilst working with talented peers from around the country. In addition, sponsors had the opportunity to benefit from consultancy work focused on a specific issue from leading mathematical experts.
Organiser, Eduard Campillo-Funollet, said: “The work carried out by the ESGI participants during the week will make a difference for the companies that presented the challenges. All the companies are eager to receive the final reports and to start implementing the results. We received very positive feedback both from the companies and from the participants, that were impressed by the facilities at the University of Kent.”
To learn more about the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, visit the website.