MISG 2022 - Wits University

Professor D P Mason, University of the Witwatersrand
Mr Erick Mubai, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Syamala Krishnannair, University of Zululand
Professor M Ali, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Naeemah Modhien, University of the Witwatersrand
Professor M Khalique, North West University
Ms Angel Kubheka, University of the Witwatersrand
Professor Jeff Sanders, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the University of Stellenbosch
Dr Simukai Utete, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

On the first day industry representatives outline about five problems posed by local industry. Each industry representative makes a 20 minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of questions.
Applied mathematicians and graduate students work virtually in small groups on the problems of their choice for three days
Reports back to industry on the progress made are presented on the last day
Further work is done on the problems after the meeting and a Proceedings is produced later in the year

For both the Graduate Modelling Camp and the Study Group, the software application Zoom will be used for all meetings (main group and individual study groups).
We strongly recommend that you download the Zoom application for desktop (Zoom Client for Meetings), as this will allow you the use of an interactive Whiteboard which will be used for discussing mathematics. The download is compatible with Windows, iOS and Linux. It is free to download, and you do not need to create an account to access MISG, as the link will be sent to all participants. The application is available via this link: https://zoom.us/download
The Modelling Camp and Study Group will use SharePoint online for depositing and sharing of papers and other important documents.
Participants must have access to the necessary technology, either at home or at university.
A copy of the Technical Information Guide, containing all necessary information related to Zoom and SharePoint, will be sent to all participants before the meeting commences.

Leading mathematicians from South Africa and overseas work on their problem
Obtain an initial modelling of their problem and a development of the solution process
New perspectives and fresh ideas are brought to the problem
Establish research links with academic applied mathematicians which can develop far beyond the problem posed
Establish contacts and develop employment opportunities for graduate students

Opportunity to work on problems of genuine practical importance and do good mathematics in the process
New research areas can be opened up leading to publications and new research collaborations
Opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to significant practical problems
Stimulate in industry the awareness of the power of mathematical modelling and scientific computing

Learn to model and solve problems of genuine practical importance by working closely with leading academics and invited guests
Learn leadership skills by observing the way the moderator coordinates the work on the problem
Learn skills in presenting research material and skills in scientific communication

Most industrial problems can be modelled mathematically. Problems that Study Groups in South Africa have investigated include rock bursts, hydraulic fracturing, optimization in mining, traffic flow, flow of molten glass, HIV in the work place, optimal distribution of goods, renewable energy, wind turbines, robot motion and image processing, urban and rooftop farming.
Because the Study Group will discuss the problems openly the problems must not be of a confidential nature and must be such that the results can be published.
There is only a voluntary payment for submitting a problem to encourage industry participation.
If you are interested in submitting a problem please contact us.
If your problem is selected you will have to submit a detailed problem description well before the meeting and present the problem at the first day of the Study Group.
The industry representative is expected to be contactable during the whole week to assist the academic participants.

There is no registration fee because participants give their expertise free of charge.
There are breaks for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch.
One academic staff member and one graduate student will be invited from each of the fifteen South African Universities in the Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

Professor Neville Fowkes, University of Western Australia, Australia
Professor Tim Myers, Centre de Recerca Matematica, Barcelona, Spain
Dr Alba Cabrera Codony, Institut de Medi Ambient, University of Girona, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Professor Graeme Hocking, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
Professor Denis Ndanguza, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
Professor Hilary Ockendon, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Professor John Ockendon, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Mathematics in Industry Study Group