the-BA : perspectives winner 2007

For immediate release
14 September 2007

‘Optimization – the science of the best’ is explained by the BA Festival of Science award winner.

Marco Colombo, from the school of mathematics at the University of Edinburgh has won this year's perspectives poster competition at the BA Festival of Science, for his poster, Optimization - the science of the 'best' on optimization problems and how these apply to everyday scenarios.

Marco said: ‘Maths is seen as both scary and difficult and also perceived as unrelated to everyday life. However, I don’t believe that’s true! By expressing my research through my poster I have tried to connect it to other people’s experience of the world.'

Optimization is a branch of mathematics that is concerned with the realisation of a specific target with particular criteria to fulfil along the way but only a scarce number of resources. The aim is to use the resources in the most efficient manner to achieve the target and satisfy the requirements.

In mathematics, these problems are expressed in terms of large numbers of equations and variables which are then solved using specific software with an optimization algorithm built in. The results are displayed in a mountain-like format with the best solution at the summit and other possible solutions at subsidiary peaks.

Marco’s poster highlighted the wide range of problems this algorithm can be applied to, helping to answer questions such as ‘What is the best route for seeing a number of different places’ to ‘What is the best way to invest money in the stock market?’.

perspectives – a poster session with a difference – aimed to encourage postgraduate and postdoctoral scientists, engineers and social scientists to explore the social and ethical implications of their research. Finalists for the competition were asked to consider the impact their research has on society, both directly and indirectly, and the extent to which their research has been shaped by society. They presented their work at the BA Festival of Science at the University of York from 10-14 September 2007.

Marco said: ‘I was interested in entering the competition for the challenge of making my subject accessible to a wider audience. To be here as a finalist has been an exciting experience and to win, a great end to a fantastic week.'

‘It is important that students at all stages of university consider the social implications of their work,’ says Sue Hordijenko, Director of Programmes at the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science). ‘The perspectives competition was created to challenge young scientists to focus on the broader impact of their research. Marco communicated the social aspects of his work on optimization processes both clearly and vividly, and greatly impressed the judges.’

Perspectives is a BA initiative, supported by Research Councils UK. The BA Festival of Science will be in York from 9-15 September, bringing over 350 of the UK’s top scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. In addition to talks and debates at the University of York, there will be a host of events throughout the city.

For further information about the BA Festival of Science, including an online programme, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

This year’s BA Festival of Science is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in partnership with the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council. It is supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, BP and Yorkshire Forward.

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

Or

Jessica Griggs, Press Assistant, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: jessica.griggs@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. The BA also organises specific activities for the science communication community in the UK through its Science in Society programme. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. Speakers have been asked to submit press papers for their talks, which include a summary of the talk and what is newsworthy about their research. Press papers will be available from late-August at www.the-ba.net/presspapers.

3. To register for access to the press papers or to the Press Centre at the BA Festival of Science, visit www.the-ba.net/pressregister.
4. The BA Festival of Science 2007 is being hosted in York by the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council.

5. The University of York, founded in 1963, has nearly 12,000 students, 3,000 staff and more than 30 academic departments and research centres. It is one of Britain’s leading research-intensive universities, with a global reputation. The University concentrates on strong viable departments and teaching and research of the highest quality. It is rated sixth out of 172 UK higher education institutions for the quality of its research, with 18 of its 23 departments rated 5 or 5*. Ambitious plans for growth include a projected 50 per cent increase in student numbers, and significant research expansion and spin-out activity. For more information, visit www.york.ac.uk.

6. Science City York is a successful business and skills development initiative, driving the creation and growth of business and employment opportunities across York and North Yorkshire in bioscience, IT & digital and creative technologies. Established in 1998 as a partnership between City of York Council and The University of York, Science City York is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber. Further information available from www.sciencecityyork.org.uk.

7. City of York Council serves over 180,000 residents, covering an area of 236km2 and providing a wide range of services. The council works with 70 schools across the city to provide high quality education to over 24,000 pupils. The authority employs over 7,000 staff and is York's largest employer. More information about the council and its services is available at www.york.gov.uk.

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