CIMPA School on Mathematical Modeling of Ecosystems Formally Opens in CSU

The opening of Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées (CIMPA) Schools Philippines 2022 on Mathematical Modeling of Ecosystems happened on August 22, 2022, at the CSU-HERO Learning Commons Auditorium. Researchers and scholars from prestigious universities in Southeast Asia and in Europe gathered in Caraga State University for the CIMPA School Philippines 2022. The event was organized by the Office of Internationalization and Global Engagement (OIGE) headed by Prof. Jayrold P. Arcede together with Prof. Youcef Mammeri of the Université de Picardie, France, Prof. Joaquim Correia of the Universidade de Évora, Portugal, and the Mathematics Department of the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences headed by Prof. Esamel M. Paluga. The opening of the CIMPA School Philippines 2022 was dedicated to the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD),

CIMPA introduced modern mathematical modelling tools which are useful to solve and analyse ecological, medical and environmental challenges. Its aim was to prepare students and staff members for concrete problems arising in mathematical modelling in ecosystems, particularly on environmental and ecological issues that can be applied in the context of South-East Asia. Theoretical and numerical lectures about deterministic and stochastic differential equations and their calibration were presented. Practical sessions of free scientific computing software using Freefem++ were provided. The two week training-workshop will end on September 2, 2022.

Administrative and scientific coordinators and scientific committees were identified and formed. The International collaborators are:  Dr. Jayrold Arcede (Caraga State University, Philippines , jparcede@carsu.edu.ph ) Prof. Joaquim Correia (Universidade de Évora, Portugal, jmcorreia@uevora.pt) and Dr. Youcef Mammeri (Université de Picardie, France , youcef.mammeri@u-picardie.fr )

The Scientific committee is composed of: Dr. Esamel Paluga (Caraga State University, Philippines)

Dr. Varela Rowena (Caraga State University, Philippines)

Prof. Nuning Nuraini (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia)

Prof. Marion Darbas (Sorbonne University, France)

Dr. Joaquim Correia (Universidade de Évora, Portugal)

Dr. Youcef Mammeri (Université de Picardie, France)

The Scientific programs that were discussed were the following:

Course 1: "Data Assimilation", Mark Asch (Université de Picardie Jules Verne, France)

Course 2: "Mathematical Tools and Methods for Agronomy and Ecology", Yves Dumont (CIRAD, France)

Course 3: "Models of Vector-borne Diseases", Nuning Nuraini (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia)

Course 4: "Hyperbolic Systems to Describe Flows", Nabil Bedjaoui (Université de Picardie, France)

Messages were given by CSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rolando N. Paluga, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Director, Engr. Noel M. Ajoc and CIMPA Scientific Officers, Dr. Lidia Fernandez. Dr. Fernandez noted the purpose of CIMPA, which is to promote mathematical modeling in developing countries.

Other International speakers shared knowledge on their studies. Prof. Krailas Duangduen of the Silpakorn University Thailand talked on "Are snails our good friends? A short story of snail-borne diseases. Prof. Youcef Mammeri from the Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, France on "How can Mathematics be Useful for Ecology?" The participants appreciated his lecture as he presented new information about the mathematical tools that can be applied to mathematical modeling. Ms. Olga Gil Medrano gave the final presentation titled "Round-table Discussion (Studying Abroad)."

Moreover two participants shared their experiences as CIMPA scholars. Dr. Arian Velasco took her doctoral studies in France. She returned to the Philippines in November 2020 and started teaching at the University of the Philippines. Ms. Karen Burdeos, a CSU - Mathematics Department faculty member currently taking her doctoral study in Amiens shared her priceless journey virtually through zoom. More messages were heard from Dr. Lidia Fernandez for CIMPA and from Dr. Leif Abrahamsson and Dr. Joaquim.

A welcome dinner capped the opening day at the CSU Administration Building Conference Room. The CIMPA guests and CSU hosts wore varied national traditional costumes laid down in an authentic and quaint backdrop and ornaments typical of Filipino hospitality. They were regaled with songs and dances by CSU’s local talents. Hosting the day’s events were Janine Gelaga and Raymart L. Teves. GBEQ/PICO