The International Centre of Excellence for Education in Mathematics (ICE-EM) has been established by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) to strengthen education in mathematics and its contemporary applications. Its success will be judged by direct improvements in the mathematical capabilities of Australians. This improvement will extend from the mathematical knowledge needed by primary school children and their teachers to that needed for research, innovation and technology transfer by Australian industry and government.

One of ICE-EM's fundamental tasks is to improve the mathematical sciences base through improved mathematics education in schools, higher education, research and industry. The aim is to make studying the mathematical sciences in Australia attractive to both Australian and international students.

ICE-EM is funding a range of initiatives, including developing new mathematics courseware for delivery through a network of Access Grid Rooms in universities; providing professional development programs and teacher resources for schools; presenting intensive courses for industry practitioners and scientific researchers; and carrying out a national mathematics awareness campaign targeted at students and their parents.

The worldwide demand for mathematical expertise has seen greatly increased support for mathematics in other nations. The mathematical sciences are a truly international endeavour, and ICE-EM provides a mechanism for building interaction and promoting Australia's expertise internationally.

ICE-EM is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training. It is managed by the Board of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) and guided by its Education, Industry and Scientific Advisory Committees.

Mathematics for 21st Century Engineering Students

The Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education has awarded AMSI a grant to investigate mathematics education for undergraduate engineers. This project began in March 2007 with a literature review and a survey to all mathematical sciences and engineering schools in Australia. See the Carrick project page.

Submission to National Numeracy Review

A submission based on work by Hyam Rubinstein and Jan Thomas, with some feedback from AMSI members, can be viewed here.
The Background paper is available here.
There is also a Discussion paper available here.