"Mathematics is the most universal discipline"
MUSCAT - Under the auspices of H.E. Angelika Storz-Chakarji, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Sultanate, the First International SQU-GUtech Workshop entitled "New Developments in Number Theory and in Applied Mathematics" was inaugurated today morning at the GUtech Airport Campus in Al Athaiba. During the five-day International Workshop nearly 40 international top-scientists in number theory and recognized researchers of different applied fields in Mathematics attend the conference and will give presentations about their latest research results and on different topics related to applied Mathematics, such as E-Learning at universities.
"It is crucial for our world to communicate with each other, in particular in such turbulent times. I hope that such gatherings will contribute to more stability and peace," said H.E. Angelika Storz-Chakarji in her speech. The Ambassador went on saying: "Mathematics is the most universal discipline I can think of. Even more than music. Its findings are timeless and not debatable. In our modern world however, we keep confronting new challenges in many areas of life, which can only be solved by Mathematics." Her Excellency stressed that Mathematics was her favorite subject at high school.
"We need Mathematics at our schools and universities. Mathematics is the basis of all sciences and study-programmes. At GUtech all students have to study Mathematics," said Professor Dr. Burkhard, Rector of GUtech and Professor of Mathematics during the inauguration of the International Workshop. Professor Rauhut expressed his wish to promote further cooperation and future workshops in sciences between GUtech and SQU. "Mathematics has always been a challenge. This First Joint International Workshop is a good opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas," said Professor Dr. Saif bin Nasser Al-Bahri, Dean of the College of Science of Sultan Qaboos University. Professor Saif stressed that the number of applied research in sciences at SQU has increased in the past years and that the main goal is to link sciences with inventions and innovation.
A total of 31 research presentations regarding number theory will be held in the next five days. The number theory is one of the most important areas of Mathematics. "It is the core of modern Mathematics, taught at all universities around the world. Already at school some number theories such as the so-called rule of nines are taught," said Professor Dr. Bernhard Heim, who is an expert in number theory and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Science at GUtech. Professor Bernhard is the main organizer of the conference along with Professors from SQU, Associate Professor Mohammed Al-Lawati, Head of Department of Mathematics and Statistics of SQU and Associate Professor Dr. Mehiddin Al-Baali of SQU.
Scientists from many different countries such as Lebanon, Japan, Germany, France, India and Oman participate in the International Workshop, most of them visit the Sultanate for the first time. "It is my first time to attend an International Workshop in the Gulf region. I am looking forward to the workshop and some sightseeing in Muscat," said Hiro-aki Narita, Associate Professor in Mathematics at Kumamoto University, Japan.
The International Workshop in Mathematics is held at GUtech on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday and at SQU on Monday and Tuesday. The International Workshop is sponsored by SQU, GUtech and The Research Council (TRC) and Springer, a leading international STM publisher with a global presence.
"The workshop wants to create a forum for exchange in Mathematics and at the same time invite the general public to participate in several seminars" said Professor Bernhard. Therefore, several presentations are open for the general public. A Sudoku will be held on Sunday, 19 January at the GUtech Airport Campus. Entry will be free of charge. For further details please visit the website www.mathoman.gutech.edu.om and for registration please send an email to mathoman@gutech.edu.om.
-Ends-
Manuela Gutberlet
Public Relations Manager
German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech)
Tel: +968 2461 6681 | Fax: +968 2461 6677 | GSM: +968 923 48 197
PO Box 1816, Athaibah, PC 130, Sultanate of Oman
Sultan Qaboos Highway, direction Muscat Intern. Airport, exit Petrol Station
Building 636
www.gutech.edu.om
© Press Release 2012
