MATRIX Challenge Workshop
Human–AI Collaboration on Open SMMC Problems
8-12 March 2027
Creswick, Victoria
Applications are now open to join a team of outstanding Australian PhD-level students to tackle some of the most challenging open questions from the Simon Marais Mathematics Competition (SMMC) using the latest AI models and techniques.
The workshop at MATRIX will bring together talented PhD students to explore some fundamental questions at the intersection of mathematical sciences and AI:
1. Human–AI collaboration: How can AI augment human mathematical understanding and problem-solving?
2. Ethical and interpretable AI: How can we use AI responsibly and extract meaningful, interpretable insights from its application to challenging mathematical problems?
3. The future of mathematics: How are AI models changing the way we approach research and discovery in the mathematical sciences?
Working collaboratively, participants will investigate what becomes possible when human mathematical expertise, creativity and critical thinking are combined with the capabilities of the latest AI models.
Apply now to join an outstanding team of PhD-level students, explore these questions and learn from one another as we push the boundaries of mathematical sciences discovery.
The workshop is supported by sponsors Betashares and the Simon Marais Mathematics Competition. Participants will be provided with free full board and lodging at MATRIX and given the opportunity to meet with Betashares representatives and explore internship opportunities.
Download and complete the application form.
Submit the application form and supporting documents.
Closing date: Friday, 13 November 2026
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 students enrolled at mathematics and statistics departments and related disciplines are encouraged. Preference may be given to applicants from MATRIX partner and member institutions.
Selection is based on academic suitability for the workshop, including an assessment of programming and mathematics skills relative to the cohort.
Download and complete the application form.
Submit the application form and supporting documents.
Closing date: Friday, 13 November 2026
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 students enrolled at mathematics and statistics departments and related disciplines are encouraged. Preference may be given to applicants from MATRIX partner and member institutions.
Selection is based on academic suitability for the workshop.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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, augmented by postdoctoral research associates.
Are you ready to take on the challenge?
Are you curious about how ethical use of AI impacts on mathematical sciences research and do you combine strong mathematical insight with practical skills such as coding?
Applications are open to students enrolled in a PhD in the mathematical sciences or a related discipline at an Australian university, as well as applicants who can demonstrate an equivalent level of research competency.
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.
Application review process
Applications will be reviewed by a MATRIX-SMMC joint-committee.
The outcome of your application will be communicated to you by the MATRIX Programs Coordinator in early December 2026, following the meeting of the sub-committee in November 2026.
