Exploring where mathematics can take you in the Young Mathematicians Program

Designed to spark curiosity, expand horizons and showcase mathematics as a future-focused discipline, YMP gives students a practical view of the opportunities that open up through studying mathematics at the University of Newcastle.

Opening Doors Through Mathematics

Today’s mathematics graduates move into rapidly expanding fields such as data science, modelling, optimisation, artificial intelligence, and industry‑based problem solving. These pathways are not always visible in school curricula. YMP provides early exposure to this broader landscape, highlighting how mathematical thinking underpins modern industries and innovation.

The Mission

YMP was created with a simple and powerful core mission:

• to show students that a Bachelor of Mathematics offers exceptional career opportunities, and

• to remind them that mathematics is engaging, creative and fun!

A Program Designed for Impact 

The six‑day program ran across multiple weeks and brought together more than 120 students, with 80–90 attending each session. This structure allowed participants time to reflect between sessions, deepening their understanding and helping transform the experience into an ongoing learning journey.

Students were exposed not only to the research side of the mathematics from the university academics, but also to the projects in various industries from the UON alumni, who use mathematics in their day‑to‑day work. Presenters demonstrated how maths drives real‑world modelling and prediction, data‑driven discovery, interdisciplinary research, and problem solving across diverse scientific and industrial contexts.

Students also took part in hands‑on activities such as the Datasaurus Dozen and "making in maths” exploration and visualisation sessions as well as the Mathematics and Statistics Race on the basketball court, and creative sessions on symmetry, materials science, graph theory and the art of M. C. Escher, which brought mathematical ideas to life in memorable and engaging ways.

Alumni offered insight into emerging career pathways shaped by AI, non‑traditional maths roles, and the growing demand for analytical thinking.

What Participants Said

“I didn’t realise how many different careers you can go into with maths. Maths is such a broad subject!!!” - Student participant

“This program made me feel much more confident about choosing maths at university.” - Student participant

“Seeing students genuinely excited about mathematics and asking thoughtful questions about their futures was incredibly rewarding.” - Presenter

A Lasting Impression 

The YMP highlights the transformative power of early, positive engagement with real mathematical pathways. By connecting students with passionate educators and professionals, the program reframes mathematics as a dynamic discipline and a gateway to the future.