Mathematicians to solve industry problems at UL


2 Jul 2010

A week-long intensive problem-solving challenge involving industry and academic collaboration has begun at University of Limerick (UL).

The 75th European Study Group with Industry, organised by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-funded Mathematics Application Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI), was formally opened by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD. Over the next five days, mathematicians and other scientists will be presented with a series of wide-ranging problems from participating industry representatives, including Vistakon, Intel, Rusal Aughinish, Boston Scientific, Pfizer, Carton Bros and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Science at NUI Galway. The mathematicians will present their solutions at the end of the week.

Speaking at the opening, O’Keeffe said, “Behind almost every business process and every industrial venture is a set of mathematical principles. Whether it is in the area of life sciences, ICT or energy, these principles are the basis for science.

“The commercial and scientific worlds are increasingly intertwined and essentially two sides of the same coin. The MACSI Study Group is an intensive collaboration with the singular objective of solving dilemmas that are directly relevant to enterprise and the economy.”

Prof Stephen O’Brien, director of MACSI, said; “The European Study Groups with Industry is an innovative and collaborative programme that tackles real problems facing some of Ireland’s leading industries. It is vital that we work together to add value and support these industries while also demonstrating the importance of applied mathematical modelling to our knowledge economy.”