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The new Centre for the Mathematics of Symmetry and Computation (CMSC) has been established at UWA. The Centre will be the hub of cutting-edge research across the disciplines of Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science.

The areas of Mathematics encompassed by the Centre are group theory, combinatorics and computation. These principal areas have links to many other branches of the Mathematical Sciences. They include fundamental tools used to analyse vast networks and the designs used in experiments across all of the sciences, in particular agriculture, together with the development of algorithms that are the key to solving many problems in complex systems.

The name of the Centre was chosen to appeal both to people at the core of the mathematical community and to those towards its edges and beyond. Symmetry is one of the quintessential concepts in mathematics from Greek times and is now at the centre of modern discrete mathematics. Computation reflects the modern use of computers in mathematics and the important role of mathematics in providing algorithms for efficient computation. The synergy between the two will provide a clear ongoing focus to the work at the Centre.

‘The Centre will place The University of Western Australia at the forefront of international Mathematics capability. The Centre will provide a focus for areas of Mathematics central to today's  world, concentrating on intensive mathematics research and also emphasising Mathematical outreach - training young researchers through engagement with high school Mathematics teachers and students', said Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger , the director of the new Centre and 2009 Western Australian Scientist of the Year.

Members of the centre already hold four ARC Discovery grants and a Federation Fellowship. There are currently 11 staff associated with the centre with a further  two set to join next year, including Professor Akos Seress who will be arriving from Ohio State University to take up an ARC Australian Professorial Fellowship.

The CMSC will actively develop relationships with Australian and international universities and organisations through established and new links. Members of the group already have active collaborations with researchers in Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Italy, Iran, Slovakia, Slovenia, China, UK and USA.

The central focus of the CMSC will be research and research training through both postgraduate and postdoctoral training. The CMSC will offer world class training at this level. In particular the first co-tutelle PhD student between UWA and Aachen, Germany, will commence in 2010. The CMSC will also enhance the quality of the students learning experience, with a broader range of supporting disciplines.

On the attached photo Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger, the Director of the Centre for the Mathematics of Symmetry and Computation

Media references

Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger / [email protected] / 6488 3344

Magdalena Matuszczyk / [email protected] / 6488 4277