Driving impact through collaboration: research and industry partnerships at Maths for Industry Day
16 December 2024
The School of Mathematics’ Maths for Industry Day showcased the critical role of academia-industry collaborations in driving innovation, addressing real-world challenges, and inspiring future professionals.
The event brought together leading academics from our School and industry leaders to explore how collaborative research is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in various sectors, while also creating opportunities for industrial investment and growth.
Our diverse ways of collaborating with industry were summarised by Dr Katerina Kaouri, our School’s Director for Impact and Engagement at her opening talk.
Dr Gueorgui Mihaylov, who is a member of our Industrial Advisory Board and Principal Data Scientist at Haleon, said: “The initiatives presented at the Maths for Industry Day clearly illustrate the role that advanced mathematical techniques can play in the context of increasing digital visibility on complex real-world processes and systems.”
Events like this help the mathematical community to appreciate the non-trivial and fascinating mathematical challenges offered by industrial applications and industry to see the material impact of mathematical sciences.
The day also highlighted how our students are shaping their future careers through industry partnerships - from undergraduate placements to pursuing advanced degrees tailored to industry needs, and working on industry-funded projects.
Dominic Evans, a Data Science and Analytics MSc student at Cardiff University and an employee at Welsh Water, demonstrated how his work, particularly the development of an AI-driven model for analysing drone imagery, is directly contributing to improvements in water industry practices. His dissertation project, which focuses on detecting dam wall issues, aims to improve accuracy while reducing operational costs and time.
Before this MSc project, I had no experience with object detection or drone imagery, but now, many of my future projects at Welsh Water are focused on this. It’s been crucial in developing my skills and advancing my career.
PhD student Fan Wu shared her research on the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse on the tech industry, using data from leading technology firms.
My PhD research has enhanced my confidence in mathematical modelling and critical thinking, with support from the School and my supervisors (Professor Maggie Chen, Dr Anqi Liu and Dr Yuhua Li). It has also provided me with opportunities for me to connect with distinguished academics and industry experts.
Syon Parashar, a student exploring healthcare and biostatistics, spoke about his year-long placement at Roche. Syon is currently studying Mathematics Operational Research and Statistics (BSc) and developed a training program for new starters in Biostatistics during his time at Roche.
The Maths for Industry Day also featured valuable insights from industry professionals like Mark Ashenden from Rolls-Royce, Luke Maggs from Natural Resources Wales, Cerys Ponting from the Welsh Government, and Dr Gueorgui Mihaylov from Haleon, who shared their perspectives on the research challenges and opportunities of innovation in their respective fields.
In addition, the event featured research from academics that illustrates the value of applied mathematical modelling in solving critical industry challenges. Dr Usama Kadri relayed an early warning system for tsunamis, Professor Paul Harper has elaborated on multi-year collaboration with several Health Boards in Wales and in Indonesia, and Dr Katerina Kaouri and Dr Thomas Woolley demonstrated a new app that estimates viral infection risk in buildings. Dr Yasemin Sengul Tezel, Dr Elizabeth Williams, and Elin Haf Williams gave 3-minute lightning talks on key industrial research projects in mathematics.
Held on Wednesday, November 27, it provided a valuable opportunity for students, academic researchers, and industry professionals to network and explore potential partnerships.
The next Maths for Industry Day will take place in November 2025.
This annual event is organised by the Maths Impact and Engagement team (Dr Katerina Kaouri, Professor Owen Jones and the School Knowledge Exchange Officer) and supported by many other School staff.
For further details about the event and to arrange a discussion for collaborating with us, please contact the Maths Impact and Engagement team at mathsengagement@cardiff.ac.uk