Mathematical Thinking
Workshop

26—28 September 2022

About the workshop

Mathematics underpins much of the scientific and technological progress of modern society. This workshop will bring together experts to study the conceptual and neurological basis of mathematical thought and creativity, different aspects of which are associated with brain structures evolved for different purposes. We will explore links to machine learning, which plays a critical role as a model for cognition, as well as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, philosophy and pure and applied mathematics.

At this workshop, we will target discussions at forming new interdisciplinary collaborations and formulating concrete research questions with a view towards major grant applications in the ARC Discovery and linkage programmes, among others. Expected benefits arising from such collaborations include machine learning improvements, computer assistance for mathematical research and other high-level cognitive tasks, and improved insight into mathematics education at all levels.

Workshop photo

Photo during the workshop

Schedule

Monday, 26 September 2022
Neuroscience and Machine Learning
9:30-10:00Opening
10:00-11:00Rafael Núñez
[Video]
Mind in Mathematics: Some Outstanding Fundamental Research Questions
11:00-11:30Break
11:30-12:30Scott Brown
[Video]
Using Mathematical Modelling to Advance Psychological Theory-building and Assessment
Ami Eidels
[Video]
Mental Representations of Numbers
Paul Garrett
[Video]
How Numerical Representations Change with Culture and Expertise
Q&A
[Video]
12:30-14:00Lunch and discussion
14:00-14:30Luke Russell and Ebon Baxter
[Video]
Topics in Mathematical Thinking: A Literature Review
Bryan Paton
[Video]
Approximate Inference in Approximating the Brain
14:30-15:00Michael Breakspear
[Video]
Stochastic Models of Human Eye Movement and Facial Expression
15:00-16:00Afternoon tea and wrap-up
Tuesday, 27 September 2022
Mathematics and Computing
9:30-10:00George Willis
[Video]
What is Research Integrity in Mathematics?
10:00-11:00Aidan Sims
[Video][PDF]
Discovery Versus Proof and Visual Intuition in Mathematics
11:00-11:30Break
11:30-12:30Geordie Williamson
[prerecorded]
[Video]
Machine Learning as a Tool for the Mathematician
12:30-13:40Lunch and discussion
13:40-14:30Alan Blair [remote]
[Video]
Adversarial Evolution and Deep Learning for Computational Creativity
Stephan Chalup
[Video]
Vision and Visualisation Using Deep Learning
14:30-15:00James Juniper
[Video]
Taking Advantage of Diagrammatic Reasoning: Recent Developments in Applied Category Theory
15:00-15:15Maurice Chiodo
[prerecorded]
[Video]
How Do the Characteristics that Make Us Good at Doing Mathematics Inhibit Our Ability to Use Mathematics Responsibly?
15:15-15:30Maurice Chiodo
[prerecorded]
[Video]
How Can We Break the Misconception that Data and Mathematics Can Simply "Tell Us" What is Right?
15:30-16:00Afternoon tea and wrap-up
Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Future of Mathematics
9:30-10:30Edward Doolittle [remote]
[Video]
Indigenous Mathematics: The Past, and Future, of Mathematics
10:30-11:00Elena Prieto
[prerecorded]
[Video]
Who is Going to Train Future Generations of Mathematicians?
Kath Holmes
[prerecorded]
[Video]
Developing an Evidence Base for the Teaching of Mathematical Thinking
11:00-11:30Break
11:30-12:00Rob Corless [remote]
[Video]
Mathematics on Shifting Sand
12:00-12:30Clio Cresswell (chair)
[Video]
Round table discussion: The Meaning of Diversity in Mathematics
12:30-14:00Lunch and discussion
14:00-14:30Peter Wall
[Video]
A STEM Education Perspective on Mathematical Thinking
Q&A
14:30-15:00Judy-anne Osborn [remote]
[Video]
Thoughts on the Future(s) of Maths and Maths Education
15:00-15:15Maurice Chiodo
[prerecorded]
[Video]
How Should the Mathematics Discipline Start to Develop Tools and Understanding to Help Mathematicians Act Responsibly?
15:15-16:00Afternoon tea and wrap-up

Venue

The workshop will be held at the University of Newcastle's City Campus (NuSpace), in these rooms:

  • Monday 26th: X201
  • Tuesday 27th: UNH419
  • Wednesday 28th: X202

A map is available on the university's website.

See also

Sponsors

NSW Government CARMA The University of Newcastle