From utilizing train security cameras to identifying track faults to establishing what is ‘down’ when in space, the Martingale Scholars were challenged to apply their diverse mathematical knowledge last month at the Solve for X training camp. The first of its kind, the week saw the Scholars pushing their skills sets, supported by an academic mentor. Check what they got up to earlier in the week here!
Before long, the Scholars were on their way to Imperial College London on Thursday 27 June to pitch their proposed solutions.
Joined by supporters, academics and a panel of judges from across industry, the Scholars presented what they had achieved over the week in their interdisciplinary groups.
The event, hosted by author and podcast host Dr. Anna Ploszajski, saw four fantastic presentations from Scholar teams, with lively and engaging questions from the judges and audience alike. The topics covered:
- Using Cameras to Measure Train Motion and Detect Defects (Mentor: Dr Art Gower, University of Sheffield)
- Modelling Business Space Occupancy (Mentor: Dr Samuel Kamperis, Oxford Brookes University)
- Understanding Satellites Revolving Around the Earth in Space (Mentor: Dr Joshua Males, University of Bristol)
- Transport Optimisation in the Steel Industry (Mentor: Dr Lina Simeonova, University of Kent)
Using a combination of analytics, statistical and communication skills, Scholars were able to share fascinating insights into these complex mathematical challenges.
After a difficult deliberation from the judges, the team tackling train track defects were crowned the Solve for X winners for 2024.
After the presentations, celebrations were had by all, including making use of Imperial’s blackboard to continue mathematical conversations.
‘The Newton Gateway is delighted to have met the Martingale Scholars in Cambridge for the Solve for X training camp. It’s been great to see them working with the mentors on the four problems posed and to hear some potential solutions. We were pleased to host them at the Isaac Newton Institute on Wednesday where they were able to use all the blackboards to map out the various solutions from each group.’ – Clare Merritt, Manager, Newton Gateway to Mathematics
Many thanks to our partners the Isaac Newton Institute and Newton Gateway, our Cambridge hosts, St John’s College and our final event host Imperial College London, along with the mentors, judges, Scholars and supporters who made it an unforgettable week.