Guidelines

Submit to the Director and office staff via our call for programs page.

Aims of MATRIX

  • Host advanced level, research-intensive programs in the mathematical sciences.
  • Provide an intellectual and stimulating environment that supports collaboration.
  • Encourage interaction between mathematical scientists in industry and academia, and increase the impact of mathematical and statistical research.
  • Encourage the participation of students, early career researchers, and female mathematicians.
  • Support the Australian and international mathematical sciences research community in Australia.

The Mathematical Research Institute MATRIX hosts research-intensive, residential programs addressing key challenges in the mathematical sciences in an environment where internationally renowned scientists collaborate and engage with the Australian research community for a significant length of time.

Expression of interest submission guidelines

An expression of interest to organise a MATRIX program identifies program organisers and their affiliations, usually about four people, including at least one international and one Australian based researcher in the mathematical sciences. An EoI identifies key potential participants of an exciting research area in the mathematical sciences and points to important international developments in the field or potential for industry collaboration. If there are other sources of income to beexpected or targeted then these would normally be mentioned in the EoI.

Program submission guidelines

A proposal to organise a MATRIX program identifies program organisers and their affiliations, usually about four people, including at least one international and one Australian based researcher in the mathematical sciences. A typical program lasts between 2-6 weeks with up to 20 residents present at any one time.

The facilities that MATRIX offers are detailed on Facilities page. MATRIX provides shared office spaces with individual desks for up to 20 participants and basic on-site accommodation for up to 20 participants per day of the program. Accommodation facilities are available for more participants.

Programs usually contain a focus week in which a conference or workshop is held with a larger number of participants. Some programs may contain advanced-level short courses or postgraduate lecture series.

Proposals should align with, and address some or all of the aims of MATRIX.

Research program rec creswick-campus-facilities-and-accommodation-flyer-201503creswick-campus-facilities-and-accommodation-flyer-201503

It is important to present a clear and detailed outline of the proposed research program that will be conducted at MATRIX. A proposal describes the scientific background as well as its scientific goals and anticipated outcomes. It includes, for example:

  • the international context of the field of research,
  • the timeliness and substance of the proposed research program,
  • potential for impact and lively interaction, and
  • the opportunity for interaction with industry and/or overseas researchers.

These are just examples. A convincing proposal makes a good case for the proposed research program. Excellence is one of the main selection criteria.

Timing 

Please indicate the desired time of year of the program, providing a few options. Activities of MATRIX usually take place during June-July or November-February. Timing is particularly important for events with larger number of attendees as appropriate capacity may not always be available.

Participants 

Organisers are expected to spend a significant amount of time at MATRIX during the program. The program proposal identifies senior researchers and their affiliations, including a short bio and details of their time commitment at MATRIX. The proposal also lists intended participants and their affiliations, categorised in the sub-lists highly desirable, desirable and reserve, and displaying a good balance of researchers in each sub-list with respect to gender and career stage, and with confirmation of key participants and intended time of visit where possible.

Activities 

For programs containing a focus week, a short course, a workshop or any other event, the proposal identifies the timing of this within the program and the anticipated number of additional participants. For example, an introductory workshop may attract double the number of participants compared to those staying for a longer period.

Accommodation and Budget Rec centre 2

The facilities that MATRIX offers are detailed on Facilities page. The proposal should identify details of required accommodation options.

Program organisers are strongly encouraged to identify other sources of funding, for example for travel. MATRIX will work cooperatively with AMSI and MATRIX program organisers are encouraged to apply to AMSI for support for embedded workshops and associated activities. Additional MATRIX funding is available subject to negotiation, and MATRIX staff will work together with successful applicants to develop a detailed budget.

Checklist 

Essential items of a proposal as described above include, but are not limited to:

  • Title and organisers including affiliations
  • Outline, impact and expectations of research program
  • Identification of key participants
  • A balanced list of (highly) desired and confirmed participants with affiliations, email addresses and intended time of visit
  • Identification of additional sources of funding and additional budgetary requirements
  • Timing of the program
  • A list of embedded events
  • Accommodation requirements