Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Mathematics and Statistics Research Challenge.

This page contains answers to frequently asked questions about the challenge. If your question is not answered, please contact us at ms-outreach@unimelb.edu.au.

Administration and joining

  • $0 AUD

  • The problem booklets will be released at the launch of the challenge; you will get a copy if you sign up to receive updates. The key dates can be found on the home page.

  • Entering the challenge is simple and does not require prior registration. The steps are:

    1. Find/form a team of up to 3 students.
    2. Select a topic from the appropriate problem booklet.
    3. Conduct research and create a project output (report or visual display).
    4. Submit the research output by the deadline (see 'Submissions' tab).

    The 'provide your details' form on the ‘Home’ tab is not an official registration. You provide your details so that we can send you the problem booklets, updates, and announcements.

  • Yes.

  • Please refer to the Important Dates section of the Home page.

  • No. However, prizes and certificates will only be awarded to teams which have officially submitted.

  • No. However, the shortlisted projects will be published on the Outreach website upon conclusion of the challenge.

  • You are expected to give the problem booklets to your students and sign a section of the declaration form stating that you believe the project outputs to be the students' original work. You are not expected or permitted to help with the projects in a technical capacity.

  • For the purposes of this program a School Contact is one of:

    • A registered teacher employed at the same school of a student submitting a research project.
    • A responsible adult acting as a home school instructor for a student submitting a research project. This adult must hold a valid registration with the home education authority of their state, territory or region.

    As part of auditing, the School Contact may be asked to provide proof of registration.

  • Yes. These entries are welcomed, provided the projects are in English. However, these entries will only be eligible for certificates and not for any cash prizes.

Teams

  • No, schools can enter as many teams as they like.

  • No. Each student is limited to one entry into the challenge.

  • Yes. See the submission page for information on additional requirements.

  • Yes, but the project must be chosen from the problem booklet for the age category of the oldest student in the team.

Submissions

  • The exact procedure for submitting the projects can be viewed at the submission details page.

  • The exact procedure for submitting the projects can be viewed at the submission details page.

  • The exact procedure for submitting the projects can be viewed at the submission details page.

  • Yes. However, you must ensure that the Sections A and C (School Details and Team Details) of the declaration form have been filled in. If Section B (School Contact Declaration) has not been filled and signed, the entry will not be eligible to be shortlisted for awards and prizes but can be awarded one of: Participation, Merit, High Commendation or Distinction.

  • The research challenge is a school program. To be shortlisted for awards and prizes, a School Contact must declare the originality of the students’ work by signing Section B of the declaration form. Projects without a School Contact's details and signature at Section B of the declaration form can be submitted but will not be eligible to be shortlisted for awards and prizes.

  • These will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at:
    ms-outreach@unimelb.edu.au.

  • Please refer to the guidelines and requirements set out on the submission page of the program website.

  • Sign the appropriate section in the declaration form and then have your students submit their own projects along with the signed declaration form to the online submission form.

  • There are links available to download examples of high quality projects in the Resources part of the website.

Finalists and finals presentation (report projects only)

  • The judging criteria 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. In addition to these, the judging criteria include elements for originality, creativity, communication and presentation.

  • Finalists are invited to present their research projects at the Finals Presentation which will be held at the University of Melbourne Parkville Campus.

  • The Finals Presentation will usually take place in November each year and is only for report projects. There is no Finals Presentation for visual display projects.

  • Finalists unable to attend campus will be able to participate in the Finals virtually.

  • The Top Team is chosen by a panel of judges comprising academics in the School of Mathematics and Statistics and members of the Outreach Team. The judging panel will select the Top Team for each age category based on presentation quality, clarity, and communication.

  • We will only publish your first initial and last name, along with the school with your consent. (E.g. J. Smith - University of Melbourne)

Prizes and certificates

  • Teams that submit a valid research project will be awarded one of the following certificates:

    • Participation
    • Merit
    • High Commendation
    • Distinction

    Information about other awards is available in the 'Format' tab.

  • See the table in the 'Format' tab.

  • The prize money will be awarded in the form of an e-gift card which will be sent to students directly.

    • Non-finalist teams will receive digital certificates; these will be sent to the School Contact.
    • Finalist teams will receive physical certificates at the Finals Presentation.