Strong presence at Teacher's day 2025
The university has invited high school teachers for a full day of talks. Our group had the honor of presenting three engaging sessions on modeling, simulations, and interdisciplinary research and education.
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Following last year's success, the University of Bergen has once again invited high school teachers to the Teacher's Day (Lærernes dag) 2025 event, presenting a wide range of inspiring and engaging research conducted at the university. Three members of our research group shared their research insights with the attendees. Their presentations showcased the innovative applications of mathematical modeling and simulations across various fields, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research and education for current and future generations.
Harnessing Mathematical Models for Computer Simulations
Researcher Ivar Stefansson captivated the audience with his presentation on "Data Simulations Based on Mathematical Models." He demonstrated how mathematical models can solve complex systems of equations through data simulations. Drawing from his research on geothermal energy, Stefansson illustrated the process of setting up simulations and proposed ways to integrate this approach into school curricula to enhance students' understanding of mathematical problem-solving and coding.
The Future of Subsurface Modeling
Professor Inga Berre's presentation, titled "From Seconds to Decades and from Millimeters to Megameters – The Future of Subsurface Modeling," explored the extensive use of the subsurface for resource extraction, energy storage, and waste disposal. Berre discussed the induced seismicity, subsidence, and groundwater degradation resulting from these activities and emphasized the critical need for sustainable subsurface management. She highlighted how mathematical models can help understand the interactions between physical processes in the subsurface caused by human activities.
The Role of Mathematics in an Interdisciplinary World
Jakub Both's talk on "The Role of Mathematics in an Interdisciplinary World" emphasized the often-hidden yet crucial role of mathematics in practical applications. He shared insights from the interdisciplinary research project PoroTwin, which combines physical experiments with fluid flow in sand representing subsurface reservoirs, computer simulations to replicate those, and machine learning to resolve discrepancies. Both demonstrated how mathematics is central to all components of the project and invited the audience to experience these components separately in a virtual reality.
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Research and Education
The presentations by Stefansson, Berre, and Both at Teacher's Day highlighted the transformative power of mathematical modeling and simulations in addressing real-world challenges, as well as the need for new technology-educated generations to tackle important societal and industrial issues. Their work shows the importance of interdisciplinary research and education in fostering innovation and equipping future generations with the skills needed to tackle complex problems. Engaging with the educators of our young generations has been truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing this exchange also in the coming years to shape a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
