Staff and students at the Maths Support Centre.

 The Maths Support Centre is again open for business at the University, offering help and advice to local companies, the general public, students and staff on a range of maths problems.

Launched last year, the one-stop-shop helpdesk for any maths issue, proved a big success within the business and University communities.

The service is part of an on-going scheme by the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Essex to improve the employability of students and to allow local businesses to tap into local mathematics expertise.

The Support Centre, run by trained student advisors, offers support to businesses and the University community on maths issues on all levels. Last year, the Support Centre helped with many queries including those from Colchester Garrison, a removal company, and a home care provider. They even dealt with queries from as far afield as China and India.

Local businesses have also already tapped into the mathematical expertise at Essex via a number of collaborations which have helped solve issues including everything from helping improve operational procedures at the Port of Felixstowe and evaluating medical data for NHS Trusts to using mathematical modelling to detect early signs of ill-health in dairy cows.

Businesses and the wider community can make an initial inquiry to the Support Centre for free. If the advisors can help with the issue but it will require a lot of staff time it can be dealt with as a consultancy project. All questions will remain confidential and could range from everything from being able to support a parent giving help to their child for homework up to solving a complex logistical issue for a transport company.

“We are really pleased with the success of the Maths Support Centre, with businesses making the most of having mathematical expertise on their doorstep,” explained Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences Dr Abdel Salhi. “It also gives our students the valuable opportunity to look at real issues in the business world.”

To contact the Maths Support Centre email: mathssupport@essex.ac.uk.

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Note to Editors

A photograph of the Maths Support Centre is available on the University’s flickr site.

For more information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.