'Developments in Mathematical Sciences in Australia in the new millennium' is the topic of a special presentation at CQU Mackay on Monday, September 20, from 4pm to 5pm in Building 6, Room G.03.

Professor Tony Guttman, Director of the Australian Research Council (ARC) and President of the Australian Mathematical Society is in Mackay to talk about the increased visibility of the mathematical sciences in Australia, both in popular culture, as evidenced by such films as 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'Good Will Hunting' and in theatre by such plays as 'Arcadia'.

Governments have also been unusually supportive. For example, the Victorian State government provided initial funding for the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), which now has more than 20 university partners, and the Federal Government funded the International Centre of Excellence for Education in Mathematics (ICE-EM), to be run by AMSI.

While these centres are headquartered in Melbourne, they are all national in scope.

Currently based at the University of Melbourne, Professor Guttman will describe the function of each centre, their inter-relationship, and will focus on the particular benefits that could accrue to CQU and its surrounding communities, by an association with the Centres.

The presentation, which will also be viewed live by audiences in Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg, requires no knowledge of any area of mathematics beyond simple addition.

Photo: Professor Tony Guttman who will be presenting on 'Developments in Mathematical Sciences in Australia in the new millennium' this coming Monday, September 20.