2023 winners of the Mathematical Sciences Sponsorship Fund

It is one of the most prestigious institutions of Pakistan, and since 1922 has proved its worth as the highest seat of learning for science subjects. Currently, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, Electronics, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Pharmacy are taught at Graduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral levels.

How they plan to use the funding: To promote diversity and inclusivity by providing education opportunities for girls who have lost their sight. Funding will be used to train faculty to teach these students a course in Quantitative Reasoning I and Quantitative Reasoning II at undergraduate level. The grant will also support the development of basic physical resources for this group.

Established in 1962, Punjabi University is a distinguished public university in Patiala, India. The university has been at the forefront of promoting the Punjabi language, art and literature. The institution is deeply rooted in a rich cultural heritage and is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and cultural preservation.

How they plan to use the funding: To spearhead research addressing crucial issues in mathematical communities, such as diversity and inclusivity. For example, they plan to:

1. Comprehensively research the existing state of diversity and inclusivity in mathematical communities, identifying strengths and areas that require improvement.

2. Delve into the challenges faced by individuals from underrepresented groups, working to pinpoint and understand the barriers that hinder their active participation in mathematical endeavors.

3. Develop effective strategies for promoting diversity and inclusivity, including, but not limited to mentorship programs, networking opportunities and outreach initiatives.

The Rwandan Association for Women in Science and Engineering (RAWISE) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

RAWISE aims to empower and support women and girls in Rwanda, particularly in rural areas, by providing mentorship, role models and training opportunities. Through various initiatives, including interactive workshops, career development programs and policy advocacy, RAWISE strives to break barriers and biases that hinder women and disabled students from fully participating and succeeding in these fields.

How they plan to use the funding: To organize an event that fosters diversity and inclusivity in the mathematical sciences community. The event will focus on two main activities:

1. Mathematics outreach to high schools for disabled children

2. A one-day round table and presentation on empowering women in mathematics

How they plan to use the funding: To organize a community event, ‘Interactive Galois Mathematics Museum’. This is based on the concept of a travelling museum and will be accessible to everyone.

The main objective of the event is to provide an encouraging environment for students, families and teachers to develop their mathematical skills and knowledge in rural communities throughout Ecuador. The goal is to ignite energy and enthusiasm in math conversations throughout Ecuadorian classrooms, and break down the negativity currently serving as a barrier to math application and comprehension.

To achieve that goal, it persistently seeks and adopts innovative methods to improve standards and has a Memoranda of Understanding with various international universities. The campus has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with students from all corners of the globe. The highly motivated youngsters on the campus are a constant source of VIT pride.

How they plan to use the funding: To empower an underprivileged section of women through mathematics education. Objectives include:

• Reaching the unreached through mathematics

• Promoting mathematics education in the rural areas of Tamilnadu, India

• Creating a forum to enhance mathematics education for rural students

How they plan to use the funding: With the support of his team, Dr. Dinh Hai Dung, Academic Coordinator of the Master Study Program Business Information Systems (BIS) will organize training sessions and workshops for disadvantaged female students from Vietnamese public universities. The goal is to improve their mathematical skills; for instance, teach them Quantitative Methods and Mathematical Modeling that will help them understand current trends in Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Business Intelligence. They will also learn how to combine those mathematical skills with business problem-solving skills to succeed in the age of digital transformation.

With this project, the VGU aims to realize the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.