News Releases

UWI Math Fair 2025 Inspires a New Generation of Problem Solvers

For Release Upon Receipt - February 18, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, February 18, 2025 – “Mathematics is the invisible engine behind much of our modern world—from predicting weather to designing safer bridges and understanding financial markets. Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science are essential tools for shaping the world around us,” were the sentiments expressed by Mr. Asad Mohammed, Lecturer in Actuarial Science. As the featured speaker at The UWI Math Fair 2025, themed “Math Quest: A Creative Adventure of Discovery”, Mr. Mohammed underscored the critical role of mathematics in everyday life, emphasizing its far-reaching impact on industries and decision-making. This fair held on Thursday 6th February attracted participation from 86 schools, drawing approximately 4000 attendees, including students, teachers and parents.

 Hosted by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, the event transformed traditional views of mathematics into a journey of innovation, problem-solving, and discovery. Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, underscored the vital role of mathematics in everyday life and national development. “Mathematics is a journey—one that allows us to use curiosity and imagination to solve problems, uncover patterns and understand the world around us,” she said.

 The fair featured interactive challenges, creative showcases and competitions, such as the Math Feud  and the Math Quiz, offering students a dynamic learning experience. The Math Creativity Competition highlighted the intersection of mathematics, art, and design, while the Teacher’s Game Design Challenge encouraged innovative teaching methods. Finally, the Math Poster Contest offered students a creative platform to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge.

Professor Antoine highlighted the evolving impact of mathematics across various disciplines. “From astronomy to economics, from AI-driven algorithms to medical breakthroughs, mathematics drives innovation. Whether addressing climate change, crime, or global pandemics, mathematical models provide vital solutions.”

 Dr. Sreedhara Rao Gunakala, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, reflected on the event’s growth. “This annual fair has become a highly anticipated platform for students, educators and enthusiasts to explore the power and real-world applications of mathematics,” he said. “Mathematics shapes the way we understand and interact with the world.” He also encouraged students to pursue mathematics as a career, noting, “The ability to analyse and interpret data is more critical than ever.”

 Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Brian Cockburn, commended teachers for their crucial role in sparking enthusiasm for mathematics. “Teachers, you are at the forefront. Without your passion, the love for science would not survive long enough,” he stated, quoting Albert Einstein. “At the Faculty of Science and Technology, we are committed to ensuring that curiosity continues to thrive at The University of the West Indies.”

 The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of CIBC Caribbean Bank Limited Unipet, The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited demonstrating strong industry support for STEM education and youth development.

 Dr. Peter Smith Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education noted the alignment between the Math Fair and national educational priorities. He stated, “The broader significance of today’s event sees an alignment with the Ministry’s education policy 2023-2027 which underscores the critical role of STEM in equipping students to meet the evolving needs of the 21st century.” This further exemplifies alignment with the pillars of The UWI’s Triple A Strategy and its commitment to ensuring that offerings are fulfilling the needs of the society it serves.

 With the success of Math Fair 2025, The UWI St. Augustine remains dedicated to expanding its outreach and strengthening the foundation for mathematics education across the region.

 End

Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal, The UWI St. Augustine Campus (centre), is joined by Dr. Peter Smith, Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education (centre-left), Deputy Principal Professor Derek Chadee (centre-right), Professor Brian Cockburn, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (front row, third from left), Dr. Sreedhara Rao Gunakala, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (front row, second from right), Mr. Asad Mohammed, Feature Speaker and Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (back row, first from right), and Dr. Akhenaton Daaga, 2025 UWI Math Fair Coordinator and Instructor at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (back row, second from right), along with other Math Fair team members following the opening ceremony at the UWI Math Fair 2025.

 

A packed auditorium of secondary school students, teachers, and staff at the opening ceremony of the UWI Math Fair 2025.

 

 Secondary school students witness a virtual reality demonstration at the UWI Math Fair 2025.

  

Students speak with a member of staff about course and degree options at the UWI Math Fair 2025.

 

 Students complete a timed puzzle game at the UWI Math Fair 2025.

 

 Students visit the Department of Mathematics and Statistics booth at The UWI Math Fair 2025

 About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th  anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 

Contact