History

The NMSS was established under the joint educational sponsorship of the ANU and the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers in 1969 by the late Professor A.L. Blakers AM of the University of Western Australia. The 43rd National Mathematics Summer School will be held in Canberra from 9 January 2011 to 22 January 2011. The current director of the school is Associate Professor T.M. Gagen of the University of Sydney, who succeeded Professor Blakers, the director of the first twenty-four schools. More than 2,500 students from all states and territories around Australia have attended one or more schools.

We believe most strongly that a country with such a small population as ours must encourage all of its citizens to develop their talents as far as possible. For centuries mathematics has held a central place in every civilised society. It contributes significantly to our scientific and technological advancement, and such advancement puts further demands on the subject. This whole process has been accelerated by the advent of computers. We believe that the contribution we make to the recognition and fostering of exceptional mathematical talent can only be made at the national level, and that it is worth supporting. It has been remarked in the past that there can be no doubt that the community at large benefits from this investment in excellence.