UPDATE: The first Mathematical Modeling Challenge at MathFest has wrapped up! Read the MMCM recap to see the challenge in action and meet the Outstanding and Finalist teams.

We are thrilled to announce that COMAP is introducing the Mathematical Modeling Challenge @ MathFest (MMCM) this year. The contest is sponsored by COMAP, open to registered MathFest attendees, and designed to give participants the opportunity to solve a real-world problem using mathematical modeling during the conference. 

Participants will pick up the problem statement at COMAP Booth #200, submit a two-page solution online, and have the opportunity to be recognized during the MathFest awards session.

How It Works

Visit COMAP Booth #200 in the MathFest Exhibit Hall to pick up the official problem statement and contest instructions. The contest problem will not be posted online.

Once you have the problem, work individually or with a team to develop your solution and submit it before Friday, August 7th at Noon EST.

When you’re ready to submit, upload your completed solution here. 

Important Dates

Contest Problem Pick-Up: At COMAP Booth #200 in the Exhibit Hall (Gloucester) during these times:

• Wednesday, August 5: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
• Thursday, August 6: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Block Party 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
• Friday, August 7: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Working Session: Thursday, August 6, 9:00 am – 10:00 am, Student Lounge (Arlington)

Submission Deadline: Friday, August 7 at Noon (Eastern Time). Upload your completed solution here. 

Awards Session: Friday, August 7 at 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm  in Student Lounge (Arlington)

Submission Guidelines

To participate, submit:

• A solution that is 2 pages or less
• Written in English
• Minimum 12-point font with standard margins
• One PDF containing all text, figures, charts, and references
• No names or identifying information anywhere in the document
• File name format: MMCM_Initials.pdf (Example: MMCM_SGBG.pdf)

Your team information will be collected through the submission form but will not be shared with judges, ensuring anonymous evaluation. 

Please note: Large Language Models (LLMs) may not be used in developing your solution. Any submission that raises concerns about AI-generated content will not be considered for awards.

Team Requirements

Anyone registered for MathFest may participate, except for COMAP employees, MAA employees, contest organizers, and judges.

Teams may have up to four participants.

For teams with more than two members, the sum of all team members' ages must be 73 or less at the time of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mathematical Modeling Challenge @ MathFest

Who can participate?

Anyone registered to attend MathFest in Boston.  The only exceptions are employees of COMAP, MAA, organizers and judges of MMCM.

How many people are allowed to be on a team?

If more than 2, then the sum of their ages must be less than or equal to 73 at the time of submission.

Where can I find the problem statement?

COMAP Booth #200 in the exhibit hall at MathFest.

What are the hours that the COMAP Booth will be open?

Wednesday, August 5, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday, August 6, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Block Party 12-1pm)
Friday, August 7, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

When is the submission due?

Friday, August 7 at Noon (Eastern time).

Where do I submit my solution?

MMCM Online Submission Form: https://forms.comap.org/261747389921066

Is there a time and space to discuss the problem with others?

Yes. There will be a working session on Thursday, August 6, 9:00 am – 10:00 am, Student Lounge (Arlington).

This informal working session is designed exclusively for MathFest participants. Students and other MathFest attendees are welcome to collaborate with other participants, discuss ideas, ask the organizers questions, and continue developing their solutions.

Organizers

• Amanda Beecher, Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP)
• Eric Marland, Appalachian State University

Can I use AI for my submission?

No, we ask that participants do not use LLMs in creating their solution. Any submissions that raise concerns about AI usage will not be considered for awards.

Can I use translation software for my submission?

Yes, however, translation software often uses AI and reads like AI-generated content.  Your team may not be considered for publication if there are concerns.

Are my references part of the 2-page submission?

Yes, they must be listed within the 2-page limit.

How are the submissions judged?

Submissions will be judged by a panel of mathematicians, math educators, and others who are in fields directly related to mathematical modeling.

Each submission will be evaluated on the use of the mathematical modeling process and quality of the solution.  The team's solution should be articulate, concise, and organized in order to allow the reader to easily follow the solution process and conclusions.

What are the MMCM awards?

This is a friendly and fun competition.

All participants will receive a certificate by email that documents the designation (Successful Participant, Finalist, or Outstanding Winner).  Outstanding submissions, in addition to being the first ever for the MMCM, will receive a small token of appreciation from COMAP at the awards session on Friday, August 7, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Student Lounge (Arlington).  You must be present to receive the token.

When are the awards announced?

Friday, August 7, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Student Lounge (Arlington)

Join us in the Student Lounge for the Math Modeling Challenge Awards! This session highlights exceptional work from MathFest participants, with up to five teams (priority to student teams) sharing their solutions. Open to all, we especially encourage faculty to attend and see student modeling in action.

What if I am unavailable to attend the awards in the Student Lounge?

All award winners will be contacted and certificates sent by email.  The top awards will also be listed on the MMCM Blog post.