The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a discussion with Prof. Karl Sigman from Columbia University. This activity supports SDG 4 which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and increase lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The Head of the Department of Mathematics, Dr. Nanang Susyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., M.Act.Sc., hoped that this event would serve as a means to deepen knowledge in applied mathematics. “The expert lecture activity featuring a professor from Columbia University is expected to deepen understanding and provide insights into the upcoming presidential election scheduled for February 14,” he expressed in his opening remarks during the expert lecture held at the Auditorium on the 7th floor of FMIPA UGM, (02/06/2024). This activity demonstrates the importance of global collaboration and partnership in education, in line with SDG 17 which emphasizes partnerships to achieve global goals.
In his presentation, Prof. Karl Sigman provided valuable insights into mathematical modeling and its political applications. He gave a general overview of several modeling methods that are effectively used to help predict the outcomes of the US Presidential Election. Furthermore, he introduced a method to model these outcomes using opinion poll data estimates and Monte Carlo simulations.
In addition, Prof. Karl Sigman showed off some intriguing mathematical findings that resulted from using these techniques, such as how many possibilities there are to get a tied outcome. He briefly overviewed a novel modeling technique used in the most recent US presidential election in 2020. This activity also contributes to SDG 9, which encourages innovation and quality research as an important foundation for building a strong academic infrastructure and supporting the creation of innovative solutions to global challenges.
The activity received quite a high level of enthusiasm, as evidenced by the participation of 30 on-site participants and 40 online participants. The discussion between the participants and Prof. Karl Sigman was interactive, moderated by Dr. Gunardi., M.Si.
The Expert Lecture provided theoretical insights and practical applications that align with the continuously evolving election forecasts. Hopefully, similar activities can continue to be held to enrich knowledge in mathematics and its applications further.
Keywords: Expert Lecture, Student, Research
Author: Endang Sulastri
Editor: Mohamad Fahruli Wahyujati
Photographer: Eros Fajar Novianto