Centres of Research Excellence Fund

2006 Expressions of Interest

The New Zealand Institute of Mathematics & its Applications (NZIMA)

(Existing CoRE)

Director:  Prof. Marston Conder
Host:        The University of Auckland

Partners:   NZ Mathematics Research Institute (Inc.)

Abstract:

The New Zealand Institute of Mathematics & its Applications (NZIMA)

 

The NZ Institute of Mathematics & its Applications is one of the first five Centres of Research Excellence selected for NZ in 2002. 

Headed by Fields Medallist Vaughan Jones DCNZM DSc FRS FRSNZ (Auckland and Berkeley) and Professor Marston Conder DSc FRSNZ (Auckland), the NZIMA involves most of the leading pure and applied mathematicians and statisticians from across NZ, and has achieved a great deal in its first four years to “lift the game” in the mathematical sciences in this country. 

The NZIMA is modelled on similar mathematical research institutes overseas, and is now a member of two international consortia: IMSI and PRIMA.

One of our key activities is the organisation of two thematic research programmes each year, in significant fundamental areas of the mathematical sciences and applications such as bioengineering, bioinformatics, statistical modelling and operations research.  We run workshops (for professionals and students from across NZ), bring in leading experts and support research by the programme directors, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the theme areas.

We also support selected Maclaurin Fellows and postgraduate research students, and sponsor conferences and other activities such as the NZ Mathematical Olympiad, and visits and public lectures by high profile mathematical scientists.

We are now embarking on a programme of outreach, to build on the strong platform of activity established since 2002, and to exploit the knowledge and expertise of the people involved with the NZIMA.   For example, we are now producing the twice-yearly IMAges bulletin (distributed to all intermediate and secondary schools around the country). We are also creating a DVD/CD-Rom of mathematical resources, to help students of mathematics and their teachers see what lies beyond the school curriculum, and engaging in a range of initiatives to encourage greater inclusion of women, Maori and Pasifika in study, research and careers in the mathematical sciences.