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New Frontiers for Mathematical Research

The first Workshop on Pandisciplinary Research on Mathematical Structures took place in September 2025, offering a well-planned and engaging programme for postgraduate students in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

The event introduced early postgraduate students from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) to pandisciplinary research on mathematical structures  -- the study of mathematical structures beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries – to foster innovation and collaboration. The event was organised by the NITheCS Focus Area on Mathematical Structures for Foundations and Innovation (MSFI).

The workshop featured:

  • Prof Amartya Goswami (University of Johannesburg)
  • Prof Zurab Janelidze (Stellenbosch University)
  • Prof Abdul Kara (University of the Witwatersrand)
  • Four SMU academics including Dr Hammed Anouluwapo Abass and Prof Maggie Aphane
  • Eight Honours and Master’s students from SMU
  • Four postdoctoral researchers from Stellenbosch University: Dr Ali Rama Bhatti, Dr Elena Caviglia, Dr Kishan Dayaram, and Dr Luca Mesiti

Online participants joined from across South Africa, including Prof Eric Andriantiana (Rhodes University), Dr Partha Pratim Ghosh (University of South Africa), Prof Seithuti Moshokoa (Tshwane University of Technology), Prof Bruce Watson (University of the Witwatersrand), and two PhD students from SMU.

Programme highlights

  • 17 September: Student presentations and an introductory lecture by Prof Amartya Goswami.
  • 18 September: Mapping the mathematical structures research landscape to integrate the postgraduate students’ future studies into the NITheCS MSFI Focus Area.
  • 19 September: Identifying concepts and problems for pandisciplinary research inspired by theory and applications.
  • 20 September: Excursion to Bloubergstrand and a Workshop Dinner in Stellenbosch.

Reflecting on the workshop, Prof Zurab Janelidze (Stellenbosch University) said: “The quality of the presentations was excellent. Participants shared their current research, allowing us to explore links to potential Master’s or PhD studies. It was an incredible experience full of fresh ideas and opportunities.

The energy and creativity displayed throughout the workshop has inspired participants and laid a strong foundation for future research collaborations.

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