$2 million for Australian maths programs

The Department of Education and Training will co-fund the expansion of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s (AMSI) research and higher education training programs, it has been announced.

The $2 million investment has been welcomed by AMSI Director Professor Geoff Prince, who said the institute looked forward to closely engaging over the next four years with the federal government’s National Science and Innovation Agenda (NISA) to strengthen Australia’s mathematical capability.

“This funding is an acknowledgement of our outstanding track record in delivery of research and higher education programs,” he said. “As well as building on the success of our flagship events and scholarships, we will expand the program through new initiatives such as AMSI Optimise.”

With a need to prepare students for private sector and cross-discipline research opportunities, AMSI will strengthen industry pathways by linking its key events such as BioInfoSummer and AMSI Optimise to industry placement opportunities to foster work readiness. Retention of senior undergraduate students, in particular women and Indigenous students, will also be a priority.

Professor Prince said the key to AMSI’s success is its position as the national peak body with access to both academic and industry networks. He noted, “AMSI is uniquely placed to secure Australia’s mathematical workforce into the 21st century.”