Three Science and Maths Olympians uncovered

University Science and Maths Olympians: student Patrick Coleman, lecturer Dr Matthew Sorell and student Alex Flint
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Thursday, 21 June 2007

Two University of Adelaide students and a former student now lecturer are among 15 Science and Mathematics Olympians profiled in a new publication celebrating 20 years of Australia's involvement in the global 'Olympic Games' for the world's brightest science and maths school students.

The publication Uncovered-Discovered will be launched today (Thursday June 21) in Canberra by The Hon Julie Bishop, Minister for Education, Science and Training at the announcement of the Australian teams for the coming 2007 International Olympiads in Science and Mathematics.

Among the 15 high achievers whose stories it is hoped will inspire future generations of maths and science students are Dr Mathew Sorell, now a lecturer in the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science student Alex Flint in his Honours year and final-year Computer Science student Patrick Coleman.

Dr Sorell, then at St Peter's College, was a member of the first Australian Science team which competed in the 1987 International Physics Olympiad. Australia now competes annually in each of five separate Olympiads - Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Informatics. Alex, who was at Glenunga International High School, and Pat, then at St Peter's College, each went to two Informatics Olympiads, competing together in 2003 when Pat won a bronze medal.

A fourth South Australian Olympian in the line-up of 15 is Professor Terry Tao who graduated from Flinders University at 16 with an Honours degree in Mathematics and was recently awarded the prestigious Field Medal.

"More than 400 students have represented Australia over the years from all over the country so to have three of the 15 with links to one university is a strong showing," Dr Sorell said. He encourages others to get involved. "It is an incredibly rewarding program and it opens your eyes to more things that can be done."

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