2019 AustMS Meeting

The 63rd Annual Meeting of the Australian Mathematical Society will be hosted at Monash University’s Clayton Campus in Melbourne, 3-6 December 2019. We wish to acknowledge the people of the Kulin Nations, on whose land this meeting will take place. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

The WIMSIG dinner is at 6:15 for 6:45pm, Mon 2 Dec in the campus centre.

The opening ceremony and prize giving will be begin at 9am Tues 3 Dec in lecture theatre South 1. All talks from lunch on Tuesday onwards will be held in the Learning & Teaching Building (LTB).  Both these locations are very convenient for people who are staying at Mannix College or arriving by public transport (in which case you will arrive at the bus loop).  Please refer to the map of key locations for all these locations (printed copies of this map will be available at the registration desk). See the “travel” tab for directions on how to reach campus, and the “dates and timetable” tab for more specifics on events and timing.


Registration is through the usual system for AustMS meetings. Many of you will have an account on this system already. Click here to access the system.

All participants who register for the whole conference (as opposed to a single day registration) are able to attend the Women-in-Maths dinner on Monday 2 Dec and the conference banquet on Thursday 5 Dec for no extra charge. Additional guest tickets to these events can be purchased as part of the registration process.

Click here for the final timetable and abstracts in booklet form. Note that you can also view the online version of the timetable which can be configured to show only the days and/or sessions that interest you.

The conference runs Tue 3 to Fri 6 Dec. Early bird registration closed on 31 Oct. Abstracts had to be submitted by 8 Nov. The AGM of the AustMS will take place on Thu 5 Dec.

The WIMSIG dinner will be on Mon 2 Dec, at 6:15 for 6:45pm. This event celebrating women in mathematics is open to all and is included in the registration fee. The WIMSIG dinner will be held upstairs in the campus centre (see this map of key locations on campus).

On Tues 3 Dec (6pm-8pm) there will be a welcome reception at Cinque Lire cafe (see above map). It is included in the registration fee for all participants.

The banquet will be on Thu 5 Dec. It is included in the registration fee (except if you only register for a single day). The banquet will be held in the Olympic Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).  Pre-dinner drinks start at 6:30pm. The MCG is well served by public transport to Richmond station, but parking is not available at the venue and is severely limited in the surrounding area. It will take at least 45 minutes to get there from campus (either by taxi or train) and it is your responsibility to get there. There will be bush dancing after dinner, so bring your dancing shoes! To get into the MCG you must enter via gate 3 (see MCGmap) and clear security there. In particular, this means that only people who have signed up in advance will be able to attend.

Thanks to Mark McGuinness for the photos of the speakers in action (below).

  • Nalini Joshi (University of Sydney) When applied mathematics collided with algebra slides
  • Holly Krieger  (Cambridge) Unlikely intersections in arithmetic and dynamics
  • Paul Norbury (University of Melbourne) Enumerative geometry via the moduli space of super Riemann surfaces
  • Joanna Sikora (ANU) Advancing women in Australian Mathematics: context, challenges and achievements slides
  • Benjamin Steinberg (City University of New York) Monoids in Representation Theory, Markov Chains, Combinatorics and Operator Algebras. slides

All time slots will be 20 minutes long plus 5 minutes break between talks, although some special sessions have a keynote talk that takes two timeslots. Please make an effort to start and finish on time.

All special sessions are held in the learning and teaching building (LTB), which is a large new building right next to the bus loop (see this campus map for the location of the building and this floor plan for the location of each room within the building — rooms we are using are highlighted). Rooms are either on the ground floor (if the room starts with a G) or the first floor (if the room number starts with a 1).

All lecture theatres have plenty of writeable surfaces and technology for projecting slides.

The special sessions for the 2019 AustMS Meeting, with their locations, are as follows:

  • Algebra G58
  • Applied and industrial mathematics 189
  • Category theory 188
  • Combinatorics and graph theory G56
  • Computational mathematics 189
  • Dynamical systems and ergodic theory 123
  • Financial mathematics 182
  • Functional analysis, operator algebras, and non-commutative geometry 134
  • Geometric analysis and partial differential equations 136
  • Geometry, including differential geometry 186(Tues,Fri) & 183 (Thu)
  • Harmonic and semiclassical analysis 134
  • Inclusivity, diversity, and equity in mathematics G61
  • Mathematical biology 187
  • Mathematical physics, statistical mechanics, and integrable systems G55
  • Mathematics education G60
  • Number theory and algebraic geometry G57
  • Optimisation 188
  • Probability theory and stochastic processes 183
  • Representation theory G62
  • Topology 137

Your abstract must be your own work. AustMS will not accept registration from persons who infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties.

Students presenting at the conference are eligible for the prestigious BH Neumann prize for the best student talk.

On Tues 3 Dec there will be an Education Afternoon as part of the Australian Mathematical Society’s annual conference. The afternoon consists of talks that should be of interest to mathematics educators at all levels, but most particularly to secondary school teachers. The afternoon is free to attend but if you plan to come, it would help our planning if you registered here
(N.B: Please select the option for “education afternoon”)
The event will begin in Lecture theatre G81 of the Learning & Teaching Building of Monash University’s Clayton Campus, and move to nearby room G03 after the first talk. Please refer to the attached Map which shows the location and also options for visitor parking.
Please click on the various talk titles below for more information.

1:30 PM - Advancing women in Australian Mathematics:

Joanna Sikora, Australian National University: Advancing women in Australian Mathematics: context, challenges and achievements

This talk reviews recent research undertaken by social scientists on women in mathematics. First, adopting a life-course perspective it summarises findings on the persisting gap in vocational interest in mathematics among adolescent boys and girls, including its potential to widen over time. Systematic differences between boys and girls in the choice of basic and advanced mathematics for ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) are discussed. Next, the consequences of these choices for tertiary education specialisations and availability of suitably qualified male and female graduates are considered.

Following this introduction, the talk summarizes research on underrepresentation of women in mathematics departments in Australia and across the world. The focus is on structural and institutional process which, over the course of individual careers, can amount to significant disadvantage even in the absence of overt discrimination. Topics discussed include cultural stereotypes that link perceptions of brilliance and academic talent with masculinity, gender differences in professional capital, i.e. peer esteem, accorded to male and female mathematicians, the gender gap in rates of publications and impact, documented bias in student evaluations and factors that enable success in establishing international collaborations. The talk concludes by summarizing the literature on practical steps that we can take to improve gender equity.

2:20 PM - Knitting and Folding Mathematics

Julia Collins and Katherine Seaton: Knitting and Folding Mathematics

Mathematical thinking is not confined to mathematicians, but one place you may not expect to find it is in the world of crafts. Even the most maths-anxious knitters will display an astonishing familiarity with concepts from geometry, topology, number theory and coding, while modern origami artists are turning to mathematical algorithms to create models previously thought to be unfoldable. This talk will highlight a number of surprising connections between maths and craft, and will be followed by a hands-on session facilitated by Maths Craft Australia where people can create some mathematical craft for themselves. (Knitting/crochet needles and origami paper will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own! Knitting in the audience is strictly encouraged.)

2:45 PM - Afternoon Tea

Join us for some refreshments and food.

3:10 PM - How I teach, why the Mathologer is evil, and other indiscrete thoughts

Marty Ross: How I teach, why the Mathologer is evil, and other indiscrete thoughts

In this shamelessly narcissistic talk I will reveal the One True Secret to teaching mathematics. Along the way I will explain  why you can and should ignore STEM, calculators, Mathematica, iPads, the evil Mathologer, constructivism, growth mindset, SOLO, Bloom, flipping classrooms, centering children, lesson plans, skeleton notes, professional standards and professional development and many other modern absurdities.

3:35 PM - How to Instil Mathematical Culture in Secondary Education

David Treeby: How to Instil Mathematical Culture in Secondary Education

Over the past few decades, mathematicians have ceded the educational space to two groups: mathematics educators and technology companies. This has had a dire effect on what mathematics is taught and how it is taught. The result is a commodified brand of distorted mathematics. This talk will focus on how some well-resourced schools have resisted these changes, and how broad and equitable change will require the support of working mathematicians and their professional bodies.

4:00 PM - Mathologer: explaining tricky maths on YouTube

Burkard Polster (Monash University): Mathologer: explaining tricky maths on YouTube

In this session I’ll talk about my experience running the YouTube channel Mathologer and I’ll give you a sneak peek of the video that I am currently working on.

Transport

Monash University is 25km south-east of the centre of Melbourne. Monash University has several campuses. The 2019 AustMS Conference will be held at the main campus, called “Clayton campus“.

Melbourne airport is about 20km north-west of the centre of Melbourne, on the opposite side of the city to Monash.

The opening morning’s talks and ceremonies will be in lecture theatre “South 1”. All talks after that will be held in the Learning & Teaching Building. Please refer to the campus map showing these locations (as well as the site of social events).

Direct transport from airport to Monash

A taxi from the airport to Monash University will cost in excess of $100.

Airport Bus Dandenong operates a shuttle service between the airport and Monash University ($28 each way). Bookings are essential.

Public transport from airport to Monash

All public transport options from the airport to Monash go through central Melbourne.

For travel from the airport to central Melbourne, take a taxi (approximately $50) or the skybus ($19 each way). There is no train to the airport. The skybus takes you to Southern Cross Station at the western end of central Melbourne. The other major train stations in Melbourne city are Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central.

To get from the city to Monash University, take the Pakenham Line or Cranbourne Line train, and get off at Huntingdale Station. These trains leave from any of the major city train stations (Southern Cross, Flinders Street, Melbourne Central). From Huntingdale, take a bus to Monash (route 601630 or 900). The 601 runs every 5 minutes for most of the day.

To use public transport in Melbourne, you need to instal an app on your phone or purchase a myki card ($6) or and then add money to the card. A myki card can be used on trains, trams and buses (except for the skybus to and from the airport). It is recommended you buy a myki card (or instal the app), since you can use it again to get to the conference dinner.

For more information about public transport in Melbourne, see the Public Transport Vicoria website. Their journey planner is very helpful.

Parking

If driving your own car to the conference the best place to park is the visitor carparking in the Southeast corner of campus, off Scenic Boulevard. Please see this Map. For full details of parking at Monash University, see this site.

Visas

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel and enter Australia. Please keep processing times in mind as you must apply for and be granted this visa before you travel. The appropriate visa will depend on the country of your passport and your purpose for visiting Australia. Visit the following website for further information regarding your eligibility and appropriate visas:
(Please note: if you are eligible for the 601 ETA or 651 eVisitor visa, you must select the business option where appropriate during the application).

In many cases, the automatically generated receipt for registration will be enough evidence that you are attending our conference. However, if you need a separate invitation letter to help you get a visa, please send an email to austms2019@monash.edu. Invitations will only be sent once registration has been paid.

Mannix College

Mannix College is the main venue for conference accommodation. It is directly across the road from the conference venue. It is also close to the bus station, for transport into Melbourne city.

The following options are available for conference attendees:

  • single occupancy hotel-style room in Gryphon House, $125/night including meals
  • double occupancy hotel-style room in Gryphon House, $160/night including meals
  • student room with ensuite, $85/night or $105/night including meals
  • student room with shared bathroom, $77/night or $97/night including meals

There are only a small number of hotel-style rooms and student rooms with
ensuite. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To book rooms at Mannix College, email enquiries.mannix@monash.edu or
phone +61 3 9905 0990. Mention that you are attending the AustMS meeting, since
many of the rooms have been reserved for this purpose.

Normanby House

Normanby House is on the northern edge of the Monash Clayton campus. It offers studio apartments for $83.40 per night and 2 bedroom apartments for $95.00 per night. To book, simply complete the online application form. Important: After you have entered into the form that you are “Visiting Monash for Work purposes” it will ask who you are visiting. You should simply respond by typingattending AustMS” in the name AND email fields.

Australian Synchrotron Guesthouse

The Synchroton is at 800 Blackburn Road, on the eastern edge of Monash University Clayton Campus. The Guesthouse offers twin share or queen size rooms for maximum two people, or a 2 bedroom apartment with one queen size and one single room. Each type of accommodation includes one bathroom, kitchenette facilities and access to on-site laundry facilities.

Manhattan Apartments Notting Hill

One and two bedroom serviced apartments are available. Apartments feature kitchens with oven, dishwasher, microwave and pod coffee machine. Bathrooms and European laundry facilities. Balconies are available in some apartments. Free high speed Wi-Fi internet is available in rooms, and secure basement parking on-site.

The apartments are on Blackburn Road, about 20 minute walk to the conference venue.

Campus Serviced Apartments

Located on Gardiner Road, Clayton, about 20 min walk to the conference venue.

One-bedroom, one-bedroom plus study, and two-bedroom apartments are available. Three- and four-bedroom townhouses are also available, which include garage.

All rooms feature queen beds, kitchen and appliances, bathroom/s, with in-room laundry including washer/dryer, and air-conditioning. Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi. All apartments come with either a balcony or courtyard.

Clayton Monash Motor Inn & Serviced Apartments

Located at 1790 Princes Highway, Clayton; 15 minutes walk from the conference venue.

Motel rooms are available in a number of configurations, including queen or twin standard rooms, triple rooms and family rooms that sleep 4-6 people. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments include fully equipped separate kitchen, bathroom with individual shower and bath and Wi-Fi, with daily, weekly or monthly rates available.

All rooms include in-room safe, television, mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities, en suite with double corner spa bath and shower, and access to complimentary guest laundry and free off-street parking.

Quest Notting Hill

A new hotel located off Ferntree Gully Road, a half hour walk to the conference venue.

Serviced apartments in Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom configurations are available. Studios include a kitchenette, while One, Two and Three Bedroom apartments feature full kitchen and laundry facilities. Guests also have access to the hotel’s amenities, including the in-house gym and al fresco BBQ area.

Gateway on Monash

630 Blackburn Rd, Notting Hill; 25 min walk (or a short bus ride) to the conference venue.

Hotel Bruce County

445 Blackburn Rd, Mount Waverley, 40 min walk (or a short bus ride) to the conference venue.

Of, course you also have the option of staying in the city centre, where there are many hotels. But remember that the commute to Monash from there by public transport takes about an hour.

The AustMS has a support  scheme for students attending this meeting. To apply for support see

http://www.austms.org.au/awards-grants/student-support-scheme/sss_application.php

The deadline for applications to this scheme is October 7, 2019.

Students presenting at the conference are eligible for the prestigious BH Neumann prize for the best student talk.

The sixty-third Annual General Meeting of the Australian Mathematical Society will be held at 4pm on Thursday 5th December in Lecture Theatre G81 of the Learning and Teaching Building of Monash University’s Clayton campus. You can now view the Agenda Papers and the Council Reports.

We are very grateful for financial assistance from

  • The School of Mathematics at Monash University.
  • Kate Smith-Miles Georgina Sweet Laureate Fellowship, which is supporting the WIMSIG dinner.

  • ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical & Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS)