Model citizens: how mathematicians are helping the planet

Have you ever wondered about the practical applications of advanced mathematics? Some of the University of Melbourne’s leading academics have dedicated their careers to high level mathematics, taking a multidisciplinary approach and actively collaborating with industry partners, which allows them to apply these complex concepts to some of our times’ most pressing challenges.

From antimalarial resistance to changing weather patterns and coral reef flows, our researchers are tackling some of our planet’s most important questions using mathematical and statistical modelling.

On Monday 12 August, Dr Douglas Brumley, Professor Jennifer Flegg, and Associate Professor Guoqi Qian joined in a lively panel, hosted by science communicator Graham Phillips, to discuss these advancements and how they dedicate their working days to helping people and our planet using the power of numbers, big data and new mathematical models.

L-R: Professor Moira O'Bryan, Dr Douglas Brumley, Graham Phillips, Associate Professor Guoqi Chan, and Professor Jennifer Flegg. 

Held at Science Gallery, panellists explored the importance of selecting the right mathematical models for a project, where a career in mathematics and statistics can take you and how their research has the potential to have broad reaching implications across industries.

Watch the event recording below: