Three students from Fundação Getulio Vargas’ School of Applied Mathematics (FGV EMAp) won prizes in the International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC), held online from July 25 to 30 and organized by University College, London. João Pedro de Abreu Marciano won a gold medal, while Rodrigo Ribeiro da Silva and Bruno Visnadi da Luz won bronze medals, competing against students from some of the world’s leading universities.

The IMC is a competition for students completing their first, second, third or fourth year of university education. In the past it has always been held in person, but this year it took place online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each participating university sends one or more teams led by a professor. These professors make up the jury.

The team leaders are responsible for organizing their students’ participation. There are two days of tests, each lasting four hours and composed of four problems to tackle. The problems are aimed at encouraging the participants to study university-level mathematics in more depth, exposing them to challenges that require both techniques and creativity. The event also allows students and professors from all over the world to share experiences, expanding participants’ cultural awareness and helping them to network.

“Our participation represents an opportunity for our students to come into contact with less standardized challenges than they usually find in textbooks, stimulating them to study more and develop their creativity,” said Professor Luciano Guimarães Monteiro de Castro, who led the prize-winning team of students.

The IMC is a long-term fixture of the global university community. For nearly 30 years, the competition has been bringing together highly qualified professionals. Brazil has taken part without a break since 2003, when the event was held in Romania.