The Random Sample

In the build up to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals started preparing for the worst. On a normal day, they operate at or around 100 per cent capacity. But in the past few weeks – during this pandemic – something strange has happened. Those numbers have dropped. But why? In this episode, we explore that question, and also look at why ACEMS researchers are closely tracking hospital emergency department data. The Random Sample is a podcast by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellencefor Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers. In this show, we share stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved. To learn more about ACEMS, visit https://acems.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the search for clues in tracking the presence or spread of COVID-19 in communities, sometimes experts need to look in some spots they'd rather not. Australia's Chief Scientist is mobilising a team to look for such data in the dirty wastewater that leaves homes and businesses every day. In this episode, we explore why that data could provide important information on what's going on with the pandemic in Australia. The Random Sample is a podcast by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellencefor Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers. In this show, we share stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved. To learn more about ACEMS, visit https://acems.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How well do social distancing measures work when it comes to controlling the spread of COVID-19? Which ones can we start to remove? And when? The problem with these questions is time. It takes days, even weeks to see if a certain measure or measures are working. In this episode, we introduce you to a project called 'Safe Blues'. Its aim is to provide a way to get these answers in a more real-time fashion, by tapping into the power of your mobile device. The Random Sample is a podcast by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers. In this show, we share stories about mathematics,statistics and the people involved. To learn more about ACEMS, visit https://acems.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antarctica – one of the most remote places on the planet. Few people will ever get the chance to see it. But every year, 100 women who are making an impact in STEMM do get the chance to go as part of project known as Homeward Bound. One of the 100 women chosen for the 2019 Homeward Bound voyage was ACEMS Associate Investigator Dr Patricia Menendez. In this episode, Patricia tells us about her amazing trip and how she wants to use it to inspire more girls and young women to consider a career in maths and stats. The Random Sample is a podcast by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers. In this show, we share stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved. To learn more about ACEMS, visit https://acems.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chances are you’ve heard of bitcoin – or blockchain – or both. But what are they? How did they start? And what does their future look like? In this episode, we explore those questions and look at how, mathematically, they are a rich source for some really interesting problems and solutions. The Random Sample is a podcast by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). In this show, we share stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved. To learn more about ACEMS, visit https://acems.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every two years, AustMS and AMSI choose a prominent mathematician to tour Australia. This year's Mahler lecture series speaker is Dr Holly Krieger, originally from the United States, but now at Cambridge University. In this episode, Holly talks about her research, her outreach to female students and young researchers, and her tour of Australian universities. The Random Sample is a podcast by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). In this show, we share stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved. To learn more about ACEMS, visit https://acems.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.