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Norbert Quirk Mathematical Essay Competition

History of the Norbert Quirk Prizes

The Norbert Quirk Prizes of the University of Sydney were founded in 1886 by a donation in memory of the Reverend John Norbert Quirk, Principal of Lyndhurst College. These prizes are for the written exposition of mathematics, and for many years were associated with the Sydney University Mathematical Society Problem Competition.

Starting from 2016, the Norbert Quirk Prizes Nos 1,2,3 (current value: $250 each) will be awarded each year to the best entries in the Norbert Quirk Mathematical Essay Competition received from University of Sydney students in the first, second and third years (respectively) of their undergraduate studies. The Norbert Quirk Prize No 4 will be awarded to a student in one of the Honours programs of the School of Mathematics and Statistics for their Honours essay.

2026 Essay Topic

The competition topic for 2026 is:

What Does It Mean to Learn and Do Mathematics in the Age of AI?

Note that "mathematics" is to be considered in its broadest sense, and can include statistics and data science.

Artificial intelligence is changing how we learn, solve problems, write code, explore conjectures, and even construct mathematical proofs. What does this mean for students of mathematics, statistics and data science? Which skills and ways of thinking will remain essential, which may change, and what new ones might we need? In an essay of at most 10 pages, you are invited to address these questions, interpreting the topic as broadly and creatively as you wish. A strong submission should have a clear and well-structured argument and make meaningful connections to mathematics, statistics or data science. Rather than offering only general opinions about AI, we encourage you to explore concrete mathematical ideas, examples, problems, results, or historical parallels that support your argument. The essay should be accessible to a broad undergraduate audience. Originality of thought, mathematical insight, clarity of exposition, and the ability to communicate interesting ideas will all be valued.

Your essay should be written to be understandable by undergraduate students in mathematics or statistics. Essays will be judged according to the following criteria:

  • mathematical or statistical content: correctness, clarity, and meaningful use of mathematical, statistical, or computational ideas;
  • argument and insight: a clear, coherent, and well-supported response to the essay question;
  • context and understanding: demonstrated awareness of relevant mathematical, statistical, scientific, historical, or technological context;
  • originality and interest: originality of perspective and the ability to engage the reader with interesting ideas;
  • elegance of expression and formatting;
  • accuracy and appropriateness of referencing.

2026 Judging Panel and Key Dates

The 2026 Norbert Quirk Mathematical Essay Competition will be judged by a panel consisting of Nathan Brownlowe, Andy Tran, Caroline Wormell, and Yiming Ying, using the criteria described above. The key dates are:

  • SUNDAY 11 October 2026, 5pm: deadline to register as a potential entrant by emailing Yiming Ying with your name, student ID, UniKey and year of study.
  • SUNDAY 1 November 2026 (end of Week 12), 5pm: deadline to submit your essay via Turnitin in the dedicated Canvas site.
  • December 2026: prizewinners notified.

See below for the competition rules. For further information and clarification, please email Yiming Ying.

Competition Rules

  • Entrants must be undergraduate students of the University of Sydney who are not enrolled in an Honours program (or equivalent). They need not be currently enrolled in any units offered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Previous years' prizewinners may enter the competition again.
  • One prize will be awarded to the best entry from students in each of first year, second year, and third year, provided that entry is of sufficient quality. Subject to the previous rule, students who have been enrolled for more than six full-time semesters (or equivalent) may also enter, and will be counted as third-year students for the judging of prizes.
  • Prizes may be shared in the event that two or more entries are of equal merit.
  • The decisions of the judging panel are final.
  • Entries must not exceed 10 pages, including all references and diagrams.
  • Entries must be in English, typed, and submitted in PDF file format. They should be single-spaced in 12 point font (or equivalent), and should preferably use LaTeX for mathematical typesetting.
  • The essays entrants submit must be their own work. In accordance with usual academic practice, all sources used or quoted should be fully referenced. Entrants may discuss their essays with others, including students or staff members of the University, but all substantial contributions by other people must be fully disclosed and treated as external sources.
  • Entries must be submitted using Turnitin via the Learning Management System, and will be checked for originality. To obtain access to the relevant LMS page, entrants must register by email before the stated deadline. Registering as a potential entrant does not entail any further commitment.