By Gofaone Motswagole
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology’s (BIUST) Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science recently held the Central Botswana Mathematics and Statistical Sciences Conference II (CBMSSC II) 2022. The conference was held virtually under the theme, “Mathematics and its applications; an accelerator for scientific research and innovation in a knowledge-based economy”.
The CBMSSCII conference brought experts, researchers, graduate and undergraduate students in the different fields of Mathematics and Statistics under one roof to interrogate the scope. The main objective of the conference was to increase collaboration and connectivity between researchers with common interests around the region and the globe.
The session comprised of talks from eminent Mathematicians, contributions from academia in; I: Financial Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and its Applications; II: Optimization and Control; III: Industrial Mathematics and Numerical Analysis; IV: Algebra, Analysis and Topology V: Mathematical Biology; VI: Mathematics Education.
In his welcome remarks, the BIUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo applauded his colleagues for their hard work and determination. He classified them as researchers who can generate knowledge so that policymakers and administrators can make informed decisions. “This transition can be achieved by speeding up the teaching of science, engineering, and technology of which mathematics is the core. Indeed, mathematics is the mother of sciences, that is one or another involves the application of mathematics,” Prof. Totolo said.
He further declared the conference as a platform for sharing new knowledge and ideas in the field of STEM and related areas. For his part, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs in BIUST, Professor Elisha Shemang affirmed BIUST as a research-intensive university, which strives to position itself among the leading innovative institutions in the world. Prof. Shemang highlighted that the conference does not only bring together researchers, students, and educators across the globe in one platform but enwalls researchers’ culture among the entire education fraternity aligned to the aspirations expressed in Vision 2036.
Acting Dean for the Faculty of Sciences, Professor Amare Gessese indicated that Mathematics is the basis of all Sciences; physical sciences, engineering, life science, economics, and social sciences. “Mathematics is the language of science and without it, there is no development. I am confident that this conference will create a very good opportunity of network for the Faculty of Sciences,” the Professor noted.
According to the academic, the term mathematics entails a group of related sciences, including algebra, geometry, and calculus concerned with the study of numbers, quantity, shape, and their interrelationships by using specialized notation. On that note, the Mathematical model is a representation in Mathematical terms of the behavior of real systems and objects.
In addition, he outlined other fields which are part of bio-mathematics; bioinformatics,bio-economics, mathematical ecology, mathematical medicine, mathematical immunology, computational biology, and bio-mechanics. Furthermore, diverse dignitaries graced the forum with exceptional expertise in the field of Mathematics and Statistical sciences. Many believed that the conference will boost the visibility of BIUST and Botswana on the knowledge creation map. “We are not limited to exchanging our views only on this platform. I believe we have the contact details of the participants, and we will continue engaging one another for the progress in STEM, particularly in Mathematics,” ProfessorJean Baptiste Gatsinzi emphasized as he closed the talk of the day.
The plus to it is that the History of Mathematics is a fascinating starting point for anyone interested in learning about the origins of the mathematical concepts that so many of us use every day but often take for granted.