2024 Workshops

Have you ever been in an X-ray machine? What kind of mathematics is behind medical imaging? This hands-on masterclass gives an introduction to X-ray tomography, demonstrating the method using shadow tomography.

Participants measure the shadow of a hidden rotating object and use the data to reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the object. Can you infer what the target is? Additionally, we explore how to use simple mathematics to solve X-ray tomography problems, including sudoku-like puzzles.

We are PhD researchers from University of Helsinki and alongside our research in inverse problems, we perform outreach to students from ages 7 to 19. This masterclass showcases some of our interactive materials.

Capacity: Up to 30 participants.

In this masterclass mathematical podcaster and storyteller Sam Hansen will present on how to help develop mathematical identity and belonging through the use of narrative and storytelling.

By weaving hands-on activities throughout this masterclass, participants will come out having developed a strong understanding of why mathematical belonging and identity are two of the most important drivers for broadening participation in mathematics and with a strong narrative mathematical story all of their own.

There will also be a really fun game where participants will figure out where the Fichtean Curve, Hero's Journey, and other narrative structures show up in mathematics.

Capacity: Up to 24 participants.

Community of maths engagement:

What networks are you in?
How do you benefit from being in a community?
How can we, as a community of maths communicators, work together?

City of Maths:

As an analogy to a City of Culture, in this workshop we will bring together ideas for a City of Maths. What are the different audiences we can work with across a city? How and where can we reach a broader set of people? In this session we will plan activities that have the potential to have a strong impact in a city setting.

Capacity: Up to 40 participants.

Students can give a massive contribution to the University outreach program by bringing in enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Moreover, by getting involved in Maths Communication, they can develop many skills which will prove to be invaluable in their professional career.

There are many ways of involving students such as volunteering opportunities, paid internships or credit bearing projects. All such approaches come with great opportunities, but also different challenges. How can we overcome such challenges and ensure the best outcome for both the students and the University?

During this co-creative workshop I will draw on my own experience of leading a team of student volunteers, recruiting and managing students in a paid internship program, introducing mathematical outreach in the curriculum and supervising final year (credit-bearing) undergraduate projects focused on Maths Communication. We will discuss together the pros and cons of these different approaches, our experiences or plans, challenges and hopes.

We will then explore ways to include mathematics communication in the academic curriculum through projects or bespoke courses and share ideas and tips on the structure and content of a bespoke course on Mathematical Outreach.

Capacity: Up to 40 participants.

The village of Les Diablerets is home to approximately 1500 people and welcomes thousands of tourists every year. The SwissMAP Research Station hosts about 20 conferences in maths and physics per year. Can we connect these two worlds, proposing an experience allowing scientific researchers (and tourists) to learn about their beautiful surroundings and locals (and tourists) to discover tidbits of maths and physics?

We all love (or am I projecting?) entertaining and interactive experiences such as escape rooms, treasure hunts, geocaching and mathstrails. I would like to take the case of Les Diablerets as a starting point to discuss the creation of such activities bridging different worlds. Hopefully, the weather will allow us to take the workshop outside.

Capacity: Up to 25 participants.