1 September 2026

8-12 March 2027
Creswick, Victoria

Can AI help solve an open mathematical problem?

Apply now to be part of Australia’s team of outstanding PhD-level students to crack some of the most challenging open questions from the Simon Marais Mathematics Competition (SMMC) using the latest AI models and techniques.

Will human talent, mathematical insight and creativity teamed up with AI be able to tackle problems for which no answers are currently known?

The workshop is supported by sponsors Betashares and the Simon Marais Mathematics Competition.

Work with leading mathematicians

Over five intensive days at MATRIX, a selection of twenty outstanding students will be invited to work with leading academic mentors: Yulia Alexandr, Norm Do, Sean Gardiner, Liam Hodgkinson, and Geordie Williamson; augmented by postdoctoral research associates.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD in the mathematical sciences or a related discipline at an Australian university, or, if not enrolled, demonstrate an equivalent level of research competency.

Applications from enrolled students at mathematics and statistics departments and related disciplines are encouraged. Preference may be given to applicants from MATRIX partner and member institutions.

Are you ready to take on the challenge?

Are you curious about how AI might advance mathematical research and do you combine strong mathematical insight with practical skills such as coding or effective prompting? Yes…then this is for you!

Supervisors! Please share this opportunity with talented PhD students who enjoy tackling challenging problems and are curious about how AI could become part of their research toolkit.

Closing date and application guidelines

Applications close on Friday, 13 November 2026.

https://www.matrix-inst.org.au/matrix-challenge-workshop-2027/

MATRIX contact: 
Tom Keegan
Senior Executive Officer, MATRIX
E. tomk@matrix-inst.org.au
P. +61 3 8344 1343