Mathematics, creativity & connection: Rethinking maths education in Australia
High school mathematics in Australia is often driven by one thing: those high-stakes Year 12 exams. In this episode, we take a fresh look at how high school maths is taught. We’re joined by someone who’s making waves in education: Donna Buckley, a mathematics and cybersecurity teacher from John Cur…
Maths Models Shed New Light on Hidden Heart Risks – with Professors Helen Byrne & Mary Myerscough
Atherosclerosis is a silent but deadly condition. It happens when your arteries get clogged with plaque, restricting blood flow and putting you at serious risk for heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the fascinating part: maths is stepping up to help doctors and scientists understand how this con…
Shaping the Equation: The 2024 WIMSIG Conference
The 2024 WIMSIG Conference celebrates the achievements of women, trans and gender diverse people in the mathematical sciences. WIMSIG stands for the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group. The group is a part of the Australian Mathematical Society. WIMSIG just wrapped up its third-ever confe…
The Publication Puzzle: Navigating the World of Academic Publishing - Pt 3
The Perils of "Publish or Perish". This episode of The Random Sample is the final instalment in our special three-part series on navigating the world of academic and scientific publishing. In it, we dive deep into the dilemma - and what many see as the pervasive mindset - known simply as publish …
The Publication Puzzle: Navigating the World of Academic Publishing - Pt 2
The Challenges of Publishing Interdisciplinary Research. This episode of The Random Sample is the second instalment in our special three-part series into the world of academic and scientific publishing. In it, we delve into the challenges of publishing interdisciplinary research with special gues…
The Publication Puzzle: Navigating the World of Academic Publishing - Pt 1
We’ve all heard the saying, “publish or perish”. But what does that really mean in today’s world of academic publishing? Scientific publishing has been shaping knowledge since the 17th century. Today, it's bigger, and more complex, than ever. Yet, for many inside the world of science, it remains a…
Trailer: The Publication Puzzle - Navigating the World of Academic Publishing
Starting Wednesday, 28 August, The Random Sample will bring you a special three-part series exploring the world of academic publishing. Listen to this short trailer so you know what to expect!
Grapes & Algorithms: the Data Science of Sustainable Winemaking
Here’s something to toast to. Australia’s wine industry is leading the way when it comes to a very important issue: sustainability. And Data Science is helping the industry do that! In this episode, we explore the Data Science project being carried out by the Australian Wine Research Institute (A…
Coping with Climate Anxiety - with Dr Alexandra Knight
Have you heard of, or are you experiencing, eco-grief or climate anxiety? For many STEM researchers, including those in the mathematical and data sciences, this is becoming a very real thing as they explore and tackle problems and questions about the environment and climate. But just how serious of…
Scientific Graphic Design for Communicating Research - with Dr Jess Jopf
People love stories. That simple fact all too often gets lost by scientists when it comes to communicating research. In this episode, we chat to someone who helps researchers tell their stories. Not with words. But visually, using graphic design. Dr Jess Hopf decided to combine her two passions, sc…