IIMS-MITACS Interactive Media Problem-solving Workshop, Virtual Reality Centre, Industrial Technology Centre, University of Manitoba, October 27-28, 2008

The workshop, which will bring together graduate and senior undergraduate students as well as members of the Interactive Media industry from the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, is focused on

• Introducing students to interactive media local to the prairies;
• Introducing students to real problems from the Interactive Media industry.

The students will get a taste of what it is like to work in the world of Interactive Media via problem-solving sessions. The students use their mathematical, computational, and statistical skills to tackle these problems in group projects (in consultation with faculty mentors).

The Interactive Media industry provides an exciting opportunity for students in the mathematical sciences to consider in their career planning. Success in Interactive Media often combines a large and diverse skill set, ranging from the traditional areas of computer science, physics, and mathematics to increasingly relevant areas such as fine arts, sociology, and psychology. This workshop brings together graduate and senior undergraduate students from Manitoba and Saskatchewan to learn about some of the issues facing the Interactive Media industry. 

Another main objective of the workshop is to foster networking between the participating students (and faculty) with members of the Interactive Media industry.

Intended Audience

• Graduate and senior undergraduate students of the mathematical sciences
• Industrial partners with interests in Interactive Media

For further information about participation, please contact ProfessorAbba Gumel ( gumelab@cc.umanitoba.ca ) and/or click on the workshop's website                     

First Prairie Mathematics and Industry Problem Solving Workshop

The First Prairie Mathematics and Industry Problem Solving Workshop took place at Brandon University, August 7-11, 2000. Organized jointly by Lynn Batten (Deakin University), John Brewster (University of Manitoba), Doug Pickering (Brandon University) and Michael Tsatsomeros (University of Regina) for CCARMS (the Central Canadian Alliance for Research in the Mathematical Sciences), the workshop attracted 45 faculty, students and industry representatives, predominantly from the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The participants developed solutions to three problems that were brought to the meeting by representatives of industry and government –– Dr. Norman Corbett, Department of National Defence (in Winnipeg), Dr. Darryl Dormuth, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (in Pinawa), and Dr. Graeme Strathdee, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewen (in Saskatoon). These three individuals posed their problems in 45-minute presentations to the full group. This was followed by three days of intensive work by the participants, who selected their preferred areas of interest. Each of the problem sessions was assisted by an expert brought in by CCARMS for the occasion. Bob Blakely of Texas A & M University facilitated the AECL problem, Chris Budd of the University of Bath facilitated the DND problem, and Tim Myers of Cranfield University facilitated the Potash Corporation problem. Each working group successfully met the Friday deadline by having a summary of their work, including recommendations, ready for presentation to the full group. These summaries are currently being written into reports which will be published in a proceedings volume in the near future, in both English and French. The reports will also be available on the web at www.math.brandonu.ca/workshopmath. Social events throughout the week included a reception and lunch sponsored by Brandon University and a barbecue at the home of Doug Pickering. A special thanks to the Department of Mathematics which was most generous with its time, space, and in many other small but important ways. CCARMS and the workshop organizers wish to thank the following organizations for funding support: the three Canadian Mathematical Institutes (CRM, Fields, PIMS), Brandon University, the University of Manitoba, the Institute of Industrial Mathematical Sciences and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3T 2N2
Phone:  204-474-8880
Questions or Comments: www@umanitoba.ca