Two migrant researchers at La Trobe University in Melbourne have been selected to take part in the world's most prestigious event for young mathematicians.
John Tsartsaflis and Dr Philipp Bader are two out of five researchers in Australia who will join 100 young scientists from around the world at the annual Heidelberg Laureate Forum.
The week-long event will take place in Germany from August 23 to 28.
Mr Tsartsaflis and Dr Bader will be given the unique opportunity to meet some of the most prestigious award winners in their field.
Mr Tsartsafalis, originally from Greece, is a third-year doctoral student.
His work is on an aspect of pure mathematics, known as ‘Lie Theory’.
He said he chose to pursue his research in Australia because of its good university reputation, but also because of its likeness to home.
"You don't feel away from home when you are in Melbourne," he said. "There's a huge Greek society here."
Dr Bader is a postdoctoral researcher who specialises in applied mathematics.
John Tsartsaflis, third-year doctoral student at La Trobe University and his mentor, Dr Yuri Nikolayevsky (SBS) Source: SBS
He is originally from Germany but has studied all over the world, including Spain and at Cambridge University.
He said he wanted to add Australia to the list.
"I was looking around the world opportunities where I could continue working in this field and Australia of course is an interesting place. It's exotic and good climate."
La Trobe Head of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr Luke Prendergast said the invitations show Australia has an international reputation when it comes to maths.
"For us to be able to get these guys to come over and work on the projects in Australia with Australian mathematicians is fantastic. They have to know what we're doing in the first place."
The pair will attend a series of lectures and panel discussions where they will engage with more than 20 laureates in math and computer science disciplines.
It is hoped the laureates will inspire this next generation of scientists.
"I'd love to be like them one day but you have to work hard to get to that point," said Mr Tsartsafalis.
Dr Bader said he is thrilled by the opportunity.
"The most important thing is hearing from other people, other scientists from other fields," he said.
"These people know the science world inside out. Hearing from them could be helpful for my personal career."
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