COMAP’s 2024 Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)® and Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM)® was a great success of mathematical creativity and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Congratulations to all participants! Here are some of the highlights from the contest.

2024 MCM: Harnessing Mathematical Insights

The 2024 MCM attracted a staggering 18,525 teams from twenty countries/regions, making it a testament to the global enthusiasm for mathematical modeling. Held over a single weekend, teams of up to three students engaged in intensive research, modeling, and solution crafting for open-ended real-world problems. From the impacts of adaptive sex ratio variations in sea lampreys to optimizing search and rescue operations for deep-sea submersibles, the MCM problems challenged participants to apply unique mathematical modeling skills creatively.

2024 MCM Results

At the end of the contest period, 23 teams earned Outstanding designations and/or won an award as a Finalist from these institutions:

• Beihang University, China
• Beijing Institute of Technology, China (AMS Award) (2 teams)
• Beijing Normal University, China (INFORMS Award)
• China University of Geosciences Beijing, China (Frank Giordano Award)
• China University of Petroleum, China
• Chongqing University, China
• Fudan University, China (AMS Award)
• Nanjing Institute of Technology, China
• Renmin University of China, China (SIAM Award and COMAP Scholarship Award) (2 teams)
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (SIAM Award) (2 teams)
• Tongji University, China (COMAP Scholarship Award & AMS Award)
• UESTC, China (INFORMS Award)
• Wuhan University, China (INFORMS Award)
• Wuhan University of Technology, China (2 teams)
• Xi’an Jiaotong University, China (SIAM Award) (2 teams)
• Duke University, NC, USA (Finalist - MAA Award)
• North China University of Technology, China (Finalist - ASA Award)
• Xiamen University, China (Finalist - Ben Fusaro Award)

Now, let's turn our attention to the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM), where teams merge expertise from diverse fields to address multifaceted challenges.

2024 ICM: Bridging Disciplines for Innovative Solutions

The 2024 Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM) brought together 10,387 teams from thirteen countries/regions, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in problem-solving. Teams of up to three students, with backgrounds spanning science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and humanities, tackled complex, open-ended problems that demanded creative solutions blending multiple domains.

2024 ICM Results

At the end of the contest period, 18 teams earned Outstanding designations and/or won an award as a Finalist from these institutions:

• East China Normal University, China (INFORMS Award)
• Harvey Mudd College, CA, USA (COMAP Scholarship Award & MAA Award)
• Hunan Normal University, China (AMS Award)
• Jiangsu Normal University, China
• National University of Defense Technology, China (AMS Award)
• Renmin University of China, China (COMAP Scholarship Award & SIAM Award) (3 teams)
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (Vilfredo Pareto Award)
• Shenzhen University, China (SIAM Award)
• Soochow University, China (INFORMS Award)
• Tsinghua University, China (Leonhard Euler Award)
• Xi'an University of Posts and Telecommunications, China (INFORMS Award)
• Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (AMS Award)
• Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China (Rachel Carson Award)
• Brandeis University, MA, USA (Finalist - MAA Award)
• Columbia University, NY, USA (Finalist - MAA Award)
• Ningbo University, China (Finalist - SIAM Award)

These exceptional teams not only demonstrated their mastery of interdisciplinary problem-solving but also showcased their ability to integrate diverse perspectives and methodologies to address complex societal challenges.

The International COMAP Scholarship Award

Amidst the sea of talent, four teams emerged as exceptional, earning the prestigious International COMAP Scholarship Award. These teams, from Renmin University of China (2 teams), Tongji University (China), and Harvey Mudd College (USA), exemplified not just mathematical acumen but also teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

The International COMAP Scholarship Award is awarded to four top MCM/ICM teams; $10,000 per team with $9000 going to the team members and $1000 to the school, in the name of the advisor.

Congratulations to all the winners, participants, and advisors for their dedication, creativity, and contributions to advancing mathematical modeling, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and collaborative innovation.

For a comprehensive list of all team designations and more information about COMAP's contests, visit the MCM/ICM website at: www.mcmcontest.org.