Australia's Chief Scientist Opens Maths of Planet Earth Conference -- But is he Preaching Only to the Convinced? (July 10, 2013)

Australia’s participation in Mathematics of Planet Earth has brought together primary, secondary and tertiary students, professionals and the public "to explore the wonders of one of humanity’s greatest achievements – mathematics". Professor Ian Chubb, patron of the conference, opened it this past Monday noting that: "Mathematics provides the vital underpinning of the knowledge economy essential in the physical sciences, technology, business, financial services and areas of ICT." And then adds, "It is also of growing importance in biology, medicine and many of the social sciences. Mathematics enables us to probe the natural universe and to develop new technologies that have helped us control and master our environment, and change societal expectations and standards of living. Most of the great innovations that have changed the way people live over the past two centuries were enabled by mathematics."

In short it would be impossible to attempt to understand the way of the Universe (s?) without the use of mathematics; the whole of "Relativity" and the description of Quantum Physics would be impossible without it. But few outside the discipline realise that maths is a developing discipline. for example looking back to Einstein's development of General Relativity, it required complex mathematics -- Riemann geometry -- without which the concept of space-time could not be investigated.

So too, the increasing dependence on quantum physics in everyday life, whether we realise it or not, could not exist without the sophisticated maths utilised for its study and understanding.

These days the increasing power of the digital computer has opened new avenues in mathematical exploration and it remains to be seen how and when these mathematics will effect our understanding of our milieu.

Click here to access the Mathematics of Planet Earth website.

Click on the graphic below to access the 15 minute talk on: "The mathematicians who helped Einstein."

Below are several excerpts from Professor Chubb's address:

Mathematics is the only subject whose study consistently enhances performance across all fields of science.

The decline in maths is effecting every part of our community. Recent surveys suggest that about one half of the community copes with the mathematics needed for everyday life.

[The percentage of]Males enrolling in maths degrees in Australia are about half the OECD average, for women it is a third of the OECD average.

In a few weeks time I am going to present a National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strategy. For Australia to be economically competitive into the future, this needs to be a game changer.

This strategy must replenish the ranks of our mathematics teachers and re-engage students or we will lose our place in the world as innovators and our economy will suffer.

The time for talking is over. We can no longer afford to be timid.