2026-27: Opening Symposium

Tuesday 29th September 2026 - Wednesday 30th September 2026

All new PhD students in the mathematical sciences at SMSTC member institutions are encouraged to attend! There will be opportunities to learn about SMSTC modules on offer this year, hear presentations about aspects of life as a PhD student, and meet fellow PhD students from across Scotland. Attendance is in person so that you can make the most of the social aspects of the programme and connect with your peers!

The SMSTC Opening Symposium for 2026-27 will be held at the AK Bell Library, Perth. Location & directions are available here: AK Bell Library

COSTS

If you are a new mathematical sciences PhD student in one of our member departments, your event fees will be covered by your department. See here for a list of our member departments: https://smstc.ac.uk/about-us . You are required to make your own travel arrangements, which you need to book yourself and then arrange reimbursement with your department, according to their relevant procedures.

(If financial constraints are preventing you from attending, please contact the SMSTC Director, ana.lecuona@glasgow.ac.uk and we can discuss how to help.)

Day one commences at 10.00am and day two is expected to conclude at c.3.30pm

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be reserved for the night of Tuesday 29th September only, for any participant that requires it (single occupancy). You will be asked if you require accommodation when you complete the sign-up form. Details of the accommodation provided will be emailed to you after the sign-up deadline has passed.

DRAFT PROGRAMME

Tuesday 29^th September
10.00 - 11.00	Registration and coffee
11.00 - 11.30	Welcome (Ana Lecuona)
11.30 - 12.00	Theme talk: Analysis
12:00 - 12:20	Supplementary Module Talk
12:20 – 12:30	Royal Statistical Society
12:30 – 13:10	Lunch
13:10 – 13:30	Supplementary Module Talk
13:35 - 13:50	University College Union
13:55 - 14:15	Supplementary Module Talk
14:20 – 14:40	Supplementary Module Talk
14:40 – 15:00	Coffee break
15:00 – 15:20	Supplementary Module Talk
15:20 – 15:30	Supplementary Module Talk
15:30 – 16:15	Breakout activity
16:20 – 16:50	The PhD process and how to get through it
19.30 onwards	Dinner at Willows

Wednesday 30^th September
9:15 – 9:20	Welcome back and Q&A
9:20 – 9:50	Theme Talk: Probability & Statistics
9:50 – 10:00	Student Rep experience
10:00 – 10:15	Edinburgh Mathematical Society
10.15 - 10.30	Walk to Curling
10.30 - 12.00	Curling / alternative activity
12.15 - 13.00	Lunch
13:00 – 13:30	Theme Talk: Structure & Symmetry
13:30 - 13:50	Supplementary Module Talk
13:50 – 14:05	Break
14:05 – 14:35	Theme Talk: Applications of Mathematics
14:35 – 14:55	Supplementary Module Talk
14.55 – 15.30	Wrap up, coffee and connections

Day one includes an evening group dinner at a local restaurnt. When you complete the sign-up form you will be asked about any dietary requirements for all catering, including the dinner.

Day two includes a social event, 'Try Curling' at the Dewars Leisure Centre. This is a fun, relaxed coaching session on the iconic Scottish sport of curling, where you will learn how to deliver a curling stone, how to sweep, etiquette & rules and have the chance to try out a game of curling as part of a small team.

When you complete the sign-up form you will be asked if you wish to take part. You will need to bring a pair of clean trainers / rubber-soled shoes with you for the activity.

MODULE INFORMATION

Theme talks as part of the Symposium will present information on all the SMSTC Core modules and the programme also includes presentations by leaders of many of this year's Supplementary modules. You can access preparatory information about the 2026-27 modules listing via our modules page.

Location

Event sign up

Registration for this event closes at 12:00 on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.

Please log in to sign up for this event:

Sign-Up is required to confirm your attendance and inform us of any requirements. There are limited places so early sign-up is encouraged!