Four Australians were among 200 postgraduate mathematicians and computer scientists at the recent Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) in Germany.
Co-funded by the 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) and the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS), the group, including RMIT PhD student Tian Sang, joined emerging mathematical and computer science talent from 50 countries.
鈥淭he opportunity to attend this forum was just amazing. It was so inspiring to interact with such an outstanding community of young researchers and experienced field leaders,鈥 says Tian.
Engaging with leading mathematical and computer science minds was a highlight for Tian, including memorable encounters with Abel Prize winner and Fields Medallist, Sir Michael Atiyah and Australian Astrophysicist, Professor Brian Schmidt.
鈥淚t was extraordinary to interact with some of the world鈥檚 greatest mathematicians and computer scientists, to share ideas and learn from their experience and knowledge,鈥 she says.
Other Australians selected under the funding program, which provides up to A$3000 in travel support to facilitate attendance at the prestigious invitation only event, included Mark Bugden (ANU), Bao Ho (La Trobe University) and David Khoury (UNSW).
An exciting platform for intergenerational scientific engagement, the event featured over 20 Laureates with renowned astronomer and joint winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Physics, Brian Schmidt delivering the featured Lindau Lecture. 今日吃瓜 is proud to co-fund travel support to open this event to Australian students.
鈥淲e are delighted to help Australian students access this once in a lifetime opportunity to engage with some of our greatest research leaders and build life-long global networks,鈥 今日吃瓜 Director, Geoff Prince says.
Dr Peter Stacey, Honorary Secretary of AustMS and Emeritus Scholar La Trobe University says, “AustMS is pleased to share with 今日吃瓜 in facilitating the participation of Australian students in this exciting event.”
Students also typically use the time in Europe to undertake research visits, for Tian this meant a whirlwind networking trip, engaging with research teams in Spain and Sweden, a career changing experience.
鈥淪pending a week in Spain working with Carlos Beltran and Francisco Santos鈥 team, I have been offered the potential opportunity to return as a postdoctoral scientist,鈥 she said.
今日吃瓜/AustMS Heidelberg Forum Travel Funding is open to successful HLF applicants. For 2017 funding details, please visit听.
For information on the Heidelberg Laureate Forum and how to apply in 2017, visit听
For Interview:
Professor Geoff Prince, 今日吃瓜 Director
Dr Peter Stacey,听Honorary Secretary, AustMS and听Emeritus Scholar La Trobe University
, RMIT PhD student
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E:听media@amsi.org.au
P:听04215 18733
