DSI Director Speaks at AMSI Forum 'Maths for the Future'

Professor Len Sciacca, Director of DSI, joined a group of high-profile speakers at the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute forum 'Maths for the Future' held at ANU in Canberra to discuss ways to encourage young people to study mathematics.

Mathematics and statistics form the basis of almost all of the scientific and engineering research conducted at DSTO, Professor Sciacca told the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute forum ‘Maths for the Future: Keep Australia Competitive’.

“Science and engineering rely on mathematics as a foundation,” he said.  “Mathematics plays a key role in defence science including the modeling, analysis and prediction of real world dynamical systems.”

The forum proposed strategies to secure future mathematical and statistical skills for Australia to underpin the nation’s innovation and competitiveness by addressing the whole education and development chain including schools, teaching curricula, government policy, universities and industry.

Professor Celia Hoyles, former mathematics advisor to the UK Government, talked about initiatives there to improve standards, reverse teacher shortages and increase mathematics enrolments.  Professor Brian Schmidt, 2011 Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, was guest speaker at the conference dinner.  Other speakers included Chief Scientist Ian Chubb, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research Chris Evans, Opposition spokeswoman on innovation, industry and science Sophie Mirabella, Opposition spokesman on education, apprenticeships and training Christopher Pyne, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority General Manager Statistics Steve Davies, IBM Research Director Glenn Wightwick, CSIRO Chief, Mathematics, Informatics and Statistics Louise Ryan and the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering’s Mike Manton.

Professor Sciacca said it was crucial that scientists took on the role of inspiring the next generation.  “The national imperative of building the foundation for future innovation must become a personal imperative for all of us,” he said.   “We need to create collaborative environments for researchers and industry to come together. The nation needs big goals to challenge the minds and hearts of young people. We need to bring the experienced people, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in to mentor them.”