The results of the CUMCM-2024 (Contemporary Undergraduate Mathematical Contest in Modeling) have been announced, with a team from UIC's Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), comprised of three students, Zeng Yilong, Zhao Yuzhe, and Chen Ruihan, earning a national second prize and a provincial first prize in Guangdong.
Winners of national second prize and provincial first prize in Guangdong: Zeng Yilong, Chen Ruihan, and Zhao Yuzhe (from left)
For this competition, FST organised 145 teams from across UIC to participate. Ultimately, 116 teams won awards, including one national second prize, eight provincial first prizes, 11 second prizes, 33 third prizes, and 64 merit awards.
The national second prize winning team shared their experience.
Zeng said that UIC's various sharing sessions and training allow his team to quickly understand the competition format and modelling knowledge. "For us who chose Problem A, courses offered by the university, such as Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Numerical Analysis, were of great help. In this competition, each of us analysed the problem from different angles, proposed hypotheses, and solved complex problems through mathematical modelling and analysis. We divided the work, each playing to our strengths, learning from each other, and applying what we learned. It was a valuable growth experience," he added.
For Chen, during preparation and the competition, he found the advantages of interdisciplinary study, and knowledge in physics textbooks can sometimes be useful. He explained his idea further. "If we can transform knowledge into practical experience, we can apply it flexibly in competitions or any other field. The heights we can reach and the results we can achieve in mathematical modelling competitions do not necessarily depend on our major background and average grades." Therefore, he encouraged more students from different backgrounds to participate in the competition.
Zhao gave some advice for future participants. He pointed out that the most important thing for the competition is to solve the problem correctly instead of creating the most advanced model. "Before the competition, you can learn some practical models and utilise open-source code and other learning resources online to improve efficiency," he said. "Moreover, your performance will not necessarily affect your grades. Mental state and physical health are more important. I suggest that everyone should not put too much pressure on themselves during the modelling process; you should maintain balance and get enough exercise. Healthy living habits will bring potential advantages."
UIC FST holds a lecture to familiarise students with the competition
CUMCM is an annual contest for undergraduates worldwide, organised by CSIAM (China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics). It has been held annually since 1992. In 2024, 1,788 colleges and universities (including campuses), 65,761 teams, and nearly 200,000 people from the US, the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia have registered to participate in the competition.
From FST and MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
