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07/01/2009
Prize - Giving event
The Maths Olympics: a competition to generate interest in scientific careers !
The Ministry of Education recently rewarded the national winners of the Mathematics Olympics. As a partner to this competition, the INRIA was present to offer these secondary school students a one-day "Discovery Pass" to visit one of its research centres, where they may possibly discover their future careers.
The 2009 Olympics were a great success in terms of both the quality of the work submitted and the high level of participation. Of the 5000 people competing, 23 stood out for their ingenuity and creativity in solving four logic problems as part of the 2009 theme.
This clearly demonstrates the value of this national mathematics competition. "The subjects are designed to stimulate candidates, encouraging them to take initiatives and above all to have fun as they search for solutions" explained Erick Roser, the General Inspector of Education, a holder of the second place internationally in terms of the number of Fields medals gained, (the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize). To remain at such a high level of excellence, French research in the mathematics sector needs to attract secondary school students to scientific careers, just like these young "maths buffs".
Focused on mathematics by its very nature, the INRIA has worked alongside the Ministry to promote this discipline among students. A number of the Institute's centres host regional prize-giving events and mark the occasion by organising conferences for the general public on the theme of computing and its value for society as a whole. For many prize-winners, the post of researcher still remains something of a mystery. In order to lift the veil on this hidden world, each year the Institute offers each of them a "Discovery Pass" to visit the laboratories in one of its centres.
FEEDBACK
Solène Moulin 16 years old, a lower sixth former (scientific courses) at Saint Just secondary school in Lyon.
"I love carrying out research and solving complicated maths problems. Particularly logic problems such as those in the Olympics. I'm not sure I'd like to continue in the maths research field as I imagine the world of research is a closed one, where you work alone and spend your life looking for something without finding anything. Maybe my visit to the INRIA centre will give me a chance to discover other aspects of life as a researcher".
Aurélien Emmanuel 16 years old, a lower sixth former (scientific courses) at Valat secondary school in La Rochelle.
"I take part in all competitions of this type. I'm very competitive and I love maths too. These competitions are great fun. This summer I'll be taking part in a programming course to discover the world of IT research and find out if it interests me. I think this experience will play an important part in helping me to choose my future career, as I also have an opportunity to join the La Rochelle Dance Academy. I'm hesitating between the two".
Dominique Souder Maths teacher at Valat secondary school in La Rochelle.
"These competitions are more than just a simple maths test. They prepare the participants for advanced studies and above all they help build character, developing key aspects such as intuition, an ability to rank information, a flexible mind and self-confidence. These are all qualities which can be very useful in helping students get a head start in life or to face the new situations they will need to deal with later".
The Olympics
Created in 2001, this academic mathematics competition is aimed at lower sixth formers. It has been open to all sections since 2005. Official website
The Ministry of Education recently rewarded the national winners of the Mathematics Olympics. As a partner to this competition, the INRIA was present to offer these secondary school students a one-day "Discovery Pass" to visit one of its research centres, where they may possibly discover their future careers.
