Head of School
Message from the Head of School
With 2026 well underway, as Head of School, I have the privilege to write this message to our alumni and friends, and to reflect on our school’s many highlights and achievements from 2025. I am once again extremely proud of the efforts of our staff and students to maintain excellence in all areas, and in the support shown for one another.
Celebrating achievements
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Prof Paul Norbury was awarded the Gavin Brown Prize for outstanding and innovative research
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Dr Stuart Johnston was awarded the JH Michell Medal for outstanding new researchers in applied mathematics
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A/Prof Michael Wheeler was awarded the Rodney Baxter Prize for Mathematical Physics
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A/Prof Doug Brumley was awarded an ARC Future Fellowship to investigate the role of microscale fluid dynamics in biology
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Congratulations to James Osborne on his recent promotion to Professor
Unveiling the Alison Harcourt Seminar Room
We are pleased to announce that ‘the new seminar room 162’ has been named in honour of Alison (Doig) Harcourt AO. Alison is a pioneering mathematician and statistician, who co-created the branch and bound method in 1960, laying the foundations of mixed-integer programming.
Research highlights
Launch of MACSYS marks a new era in predictive biology
The ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS) was officially launched in October 2025. MACSYS is headquartered at the University of Melbourne and brings together a large team of researchers from the University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, Queensland University of Technology, Monash University, and Australian National University.
Outreach and engagement news
The Outreach Team delivers programs to engage school students across Victoria and promotes mathematics and statistics nationally and internationally. If you have interesting applications, fun activity ideas or would like to give a public lecture, we’d love to hear from you! We greatly appreciate the support and interest of our alumni – contact us to find out more.
Opening the Mathematics and Statistics Museum
As of December 2025, there is now a Mathematics and Statistics Museum located near the North Entrance to the Peter Hall building. Explore the School's long history in mathematical instruments used by staff and alumni including integraphs, ellipsographs and parabolographs.
Your support is important to our school
There are many ways you can support the School of Mathematics and Statistics. All donations, regardless of size, make a difference in helping us to create opportunities for our students, academics and the wider community.
Get involved
Are you a recent graduate looking for career advice or professional development pathways? Or perhaps you’re interested in connecting with like-minded professionals or being involved in supporting the next generation of students. Explore the many resources and opportunities available for our alumni here.
Reconnect at events
Strengthen your bond with the University and fellow graduates by attending public lectures, student award ceremonies, reunions and other events run by the School.
Explore outreach opportunities
Produce a career profile for our careers page or talk to students about your career path or create an activity for a workshop or a question for the Mathematics and Statistics Research Challenge.
Visit the alumni portal
Visit the portal and keep your details up to date to access alumni benefits and support and stay connected to the latest news, events and programs.