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2011 will be the Year of Mathematics at The University of Western Australia.

A calendar of some of the year's events will be launched by UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, at a Mathematics Symposium tomorrow at the University Club from 8.30am.

Dean of UWA's Faculty of Education, Winthrop Professor Helen Wildy, said 2011 would be a celebration of mathematics and the powerful role that it plays in our everyday lives - and a reminder that never before have we had such an urgent need for more Mathematics teachers to inspire a new generation of graduates with skills in mathematics and statistics.

WA Scientist of the Year 2009 and UWA Mathematician Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger, who is in the top one per cent of the world's most highly cited mathematicians, said many disciplines, such as physics and economics, had always relied on a foundation of Mathematics.

"But now virtually every area of our lives depends on the mathematical sciences - from healthcare to telecommunications, from understanding climate change, to making secure financial transactions," Professor Praeger said.

"We need to ensure a strong mathematical education for our young people to underpin their other skills, whether in science, medicine, engineering or technology."

Professor Wildy said UWA had organised a series of educational, thought-provoking and entertaining events for 2011 where people of all ages could explore the exciting world of mathematics and the array of opportunities that exist.

The symposium is jointly hosted by Professor Wildy and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Winthrop Professor John Dell.

Media references

Winthrop Professor Helen Wildy (Dean UWA Faculty of Education)  (+61 8) 6488 1709

Winthrop Professor John Dell (Dean UWA Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics) (+61 8) 6488 3704

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563 / (+614) 32 637 716