Students will be given a set of open-ended research problems from which they choose one. They can then employ methods used by mathematical researchers to investigate their problem; they can gather data, simplify, visualise, hypothesise, conjecture and prove. The aim of the challenge is to allow students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to make choices about how best to ask and answer questions about their chosen project. As teamwork is a valuable and essential skill for research, students are encouraged to participate as part of a team which will provide opportunities to reason and work collaboratively with others. Students may participate individually if they wish.
The challenge is free to enter and no prior registration is required. If you are interested, please provide your details using the link below. You will be sent the problem booklets, updates and announcements, and details about information sessions when they become available.
Entering the challenge is simple and does not require prior registration. The steps are:
- Find/form a team of up to 3 students.
- Select a topic from the appropriate problem booklet.
- Conduct research and create a project output (report or visual display).
- Submit the research output by the deadline.
Each team selects one from a set of research problems to work on; there are different problems for each age category. Students should present their project and findings through one of the following:
- Report (A4 or slideshow), or
- Visual display (single-page poster or short video).
All work must be the sole product of the students on a team. We will accept projects that are 'completed' AND 'incomplete' projects that show genuine progress. Simply submit your project regardless of how 'complete' you think it is.
Report projects:
Teams with the highest quality projects will be invited to participate in the Research Challenge Finals Presentations which will be held at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus. Travel subsidies may be made available for teams that need to travel from remote, regional, interstate or international locations. Arrangements will also be made for live stream presentations for teams unable to travel.
Each team will have a 15-minute slot in which to present a brief synopsis of their project and to answer questions from the judging panel and other academics. Further details about the Finals will be provided to finalists closer to date.
Visual display projects:
Teams with the highest quality visual display projects will be awarded a cash prize.
Prizes and Certificates
All teams who submit a valid research project will receive a certificate for participation, merit, high commendation, or distinction. The highest quality projects in each age category will receive awards and cash prizes according to the following table:
| Project Type | Award | Number Awarded | Cash Prize Amount* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Display | Shortlist | 3 to 6 | 100 |
| Top | 1 | 250 | |
| Report | Finalist | 3 to 6 | 200 |
| Top | 1 | 500 |
*Amounts are awarded per person in the team.
Additional prizes may be awarded, such as:
- Top project from a regional/remote team
- Top non-finalist project in state/territory (report only)
- Other prizes to be advised
Judging
Visual display projects will be judged separately to report projects. The criteria for judging will vary depending on the age category and the complexity of the research project. However, whenever explicit mathematics is involved, mathematical accuracy is vitally important, as is the correct use of mathematical language. We strongly encourage teams to approach their project with mathematical reasoning and generalisation where possible. In addition to these, the judging criteria include elements for originality, creativity, extension, communication and presentation.