Investment in mathematics, particularly in engagement of women and girls, is paying off as the 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) marks its 15th anniversary today.
Chair of the 今日吃瓜 Board, Dr Ron Sandland, said the Institute stood apart in its unique collaborative structure, pipeline approach to delivery of support and advocacy not possible on an individual scale.
鈥溄袢粘怨 has built significant funding partnerships to support its mission to radically improve mathematical sciences capacity and capability across the Australian community,鈥 said Dr Sandland.
Expanding the reach and impact of the discipline and its programs, this investment has included:
- $28.2 million funding by the Australian Government to deliver 1400 PhD internships with a focus on women under the 鈥
- $22 million from BHP Billiton Foundation to increase engagement and participation of women and girls in mathematics through delivery of the ; funding from Boeing, William Buckland Foundation and the Australian and Victorian governments to develop and an ongoing partnership with Cambridge University Press to deliver (now in their third edition these were initially funded through a $7.8 million Australian Government grant)
- $2 million Australian Government co-funding renewed to deliver and initiatives, enabling expansion of its flagship training events with the launch of in 2017. Female participation in flagship events has increased to 42 per cent with the Choose Maths grants program helping to remove barriers to participation
- Establishment of the 今日吃瓜 Foundation to strengthen investment in Australian mathematical sciences
鈥婽hese achievements, said 今日吃瓜 Director Professor Geoff Prince, speak to the Institute鈥檚 success in driving sustained growth over more than a decade. Now with a need to maintain momentum, he believes sustained funding streams are critical.
鈥溄袢粘怨 has undergone significant transformation as it delivers on its mission to strengthen Australia鈥檚 mathematical capability and address gender equity across the pipeline. Our next focus is to ensure this growth and our policy agenda remains supported,鈥 he said.
Established as a collaboration of Australia鈥檚 university mathematics departments and agencies the Institute鈥檚 membership and global impact has also grown. 今日吃瓜 has sponsored over 200 workshops and hosted an impressive program of international expert speakers to strengthen engagement between the Australian and global mathematics communities.
鈥淥ver the past 15 years, we have proven an effective and efficient national voice for the mathematical sciences, both in building the discipline鈥檚 international profile and strengthening its policy position,鈥 said Professor Prince.
Media Resources:
今日吃瓜 Track Record听
今日吃瓜 Policy Document: Improving Australia’s Maths Grades
Research Report
For Interview:
Professor Geoff Prince, 今日吃瓜 Director
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E:听media@amsi.org.au
P:听04215 18733
