December 2020 & January 2021

Are you interested in the future of mathematics?

Want to teach some mathematics to a computer? or get a head start on some tools we might all be using in 10-20 years?

In early 2021, Jordan Barrett is starting a group to learn about type theory and proof assistants (e.g. Lean, Coq, Isabelle). The hope is to contribute to the exciting new project to formalise all mathematics by computer. Personally, Jordan is interested in the following topics:

• Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of proof assistants (i.e. type theories)
• Select a proof assistant and gain proficiency in it
• Contribute to the ongoing project to formalise all of mathematics by computer

For more information on the area, check out Kevin Buzzard's talk "The Future of Mathematics?".

The hope is to meet once a week for an hour or 2 - although this is open to negotiation with interested parties. Anyone and everyone is welcome. If you would like to join the study group, please contact Jordan Barrett.

NZMRI Summer Meeting

This year the NZMRI summer meeting took place in Napier, in place of the originally planned Modern Number Theory Meeting that was to take place in Akaroa. As the international invited speakers couldnt make it to Akaroa, the Napier meeting brought together early and mid-career mathematicians and graduate students with a series of lectures. Dan Turetsky was one of the presenters, discussing algorithmic randomness - lecture slides are available here. quite a few SMS students attended the meeting. Phoebe McDougall said it was a great opportunity to become acquainted with fellow math students and that the talks were all very interesting and provided information at an understandable level for honours and up.

Staff Excellence Awards

The staff excellence awards recipients for 2020 have been decided. These awards recognise the work that goes on behind the scenes and efforts undertaken by teaching and professional staff to contribute to University wellbeing, culture and success. While the recipients have been announces for 2020, the award ceremony will take place in April next year.

This year Professor Rod Downey, received the Research Excellence Award. Congrats Rod!

VUW Medal for Academic Excellence

Ellen Hammatt was awarded the VUW Medal for academic excellence for her 2019 Honours Project. Although the award was announced a while ago, Ellen received her medal from the Vice-Chancellor at the Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 9th December.

Congratulations Ellen!

Job Opportunity

Mathematics Tutor Wanted

I have completed post-grad studies in arts/humanities and currently work in Government. I am not currently a student at Vic, but am looking at studying again, and the subjects I am interested in (possibly economics, physics or computer science) will require strengthening my math significantly. I'm keen to work through high school math through to 100 level.

Would love to work with someone who is keen to get into the philosophy of math, who can work with me to help build deep understandings and stronger intuitions. Knowledge of the history of math would also be great.

This is a paid position. If this sounds like a job you are interested in, please contact Giles at gileszephyrbollinger@gmail.com.

Scholarship

Māori Education Trust Postgraduate Scholarship

This scholarship is availiable to Māori postgraduate students undertsaking postgraduate study. This includes Honours, Masters, PhD, Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications in any field. Priority will be given to students with financial need.

This scholarship is for $5000 and will be availiable to 9 recipients. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Māori Education Trust Postgraduate Scholarship: Hapū Or Iwi Development

This scholarship is availiable to Māori postgraduate students undertaking studies that will support the stragegic interests and direction of their Hapū or Iwi. Applicants must include a letter of support from the Hapū or Iwi Chair or equivalent.

This scholarship is for $5000 and will be availiable to 5 recipients. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Māori Education Trust Postgraduate Scholarship: STEM

Available to Māori postgraduate students undertaking study in science (biology, chemistry, physics), technology, engineering or mathematics. Applicants must meet all criteria listed on the application formand submit two references, one of which must be an academic reference.

This scholarship is availiable to 5 recipients and valued at $5000. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Queen Elizabeth II Post-Graduate Fellowship

Available to a Māori or non-Māori graduate with excellent academic ability, who plans to research at postgraduate level, in a field that will benefit Māori. This scholarship is availiable to a single recipient and valued at $5000. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Rangiriri and Mātene Te Whiwhi Winiata Scholarship

Available to Māori graduates to enable them to complete postgraduate studies. Pre-requisite is completion of a Master’s degree. This scholarship is availiable to 6 recipients and valued at $5000. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Rose Hellaby Postgraduate Scholarship

These prestigious scholarships are available to Māori students with a record of proven academic excellence, undertaking Masters or PhD postgraduate study in the fields of engineering, mathematics, science, technology or medicine. Study can be carried out in New Zealand or overseas.

This scholarship is availiable to up to 2 recipients and is worth up to $30 000. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Sir John Bennett Memorial PhD Scholarship

Available to Māori students who have a Master’s or Honours degree and are enrolled in a PhD programme of study. This scholarship to a single recipient and is valued at $10 000. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

Tī Maru Māori Trust Prestigious Scholarship

Available to Māori graduates with a record of academic excellence. This scholarship is availiable to 2 recipeints and is valued at $5 000. For more information, please check the information the application form. Contact information for the Māori Education Trust is located at the bottom of the form. Applications are due on the 31st March 2021.

VUW Hardship and Equity Grants

These grants are in place to support students who are experiencing financial hardship in continuing with their studies. Applications are open to all students currently studying at VUW, alhtough there is an allocation of grant funding for students from refugee backgrounds and for Doctoral Students. For more information check out the page for the Hardship Grant, the page for the Refugee Backgrounds Hardship Grant page and the Doctoral Hardship page.

VUW Submission Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to enable doctoral candidates to fully concentrate on completing their thesis. Applicants and their supervisors must carefully consider the amount of time required to completion as the scholarship is only available for the final three months before submission of the thesis for examination.

The scholarship will provide a stipend of $2,000 per month for up to three months less any outstanding tuition fees.

Full-time or half-time candidates may apply, but candidates who are currently registered half-time will be required to change their registration to full-time.

For more information, visit the Scholarship page.