UNNC students shine at International Mathematics Competition

20 August 2024

During 5-11 August 2024, the 31st International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC 2024) took place in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) sent a delegation of four first and second-year students majoring in Mathematics with Applied Mathematics to compete. The young team made a remarkable splash in their first appearance. Shizhuang Gu and Tianze Sang were awarded third prizes (bronze medals), while Wenbo Gu and Yueshan Wang received honourable mention and certificate, respectively, highlighting their strong academic foundation and resilience, and bringing international acclaim to UNNC.


Hosted by the American University in Bulgaria, the IMC is a prestigious global mathematics contest that covers a wide range of mathematical disciplines, demanding participants to possess a solid grasp of mathematical knowledge and problem-solving techniques. As the sole university representative from China, UNNC’s team competed against over 400 students from leading universities worldwide, including Ecole Normale Supérieure, EPFL, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, ETH Zurich and many more.

All four UNNC students were participating in an international competition for the first time. Among them, Shizhuang Gu, Wenbo Gu, and Yueshan Wang are first-year students who enrolled in 2023, showcasing their immense potential and courage. Despite facing various challenges like illness, this young team demonstrated tremendous potential and resilience, their performance was nothing short of impressive.

Professor Behrouz Emamizadeh, Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, commended the efforts of the students and faculty involved in the IMC 2024. “I am super proud and moved by our team members for their achievements in the recent IMC competition. The fact that one of our students fell short of obtaining the silver medal by a single mark and another fell sick yet did not give in, speaks volumes of their determination to represent UNNC and prove that our university rightfully deserves to enter the club of the leading universities in the world.”

As early as April this year, the Department of Mathematical Sciences initiated the 3rd UNNC Mathematical Olympiad Competition and the final team members were selected with three additional selection exams. The summer math camp commenced shortly after the selection process and ran until the beginning of August. Five staff from the Department of Mathematical Sciences contributed to the training program. They are Hamid Reza Daneshpajouh, Elio Eduardo Espejo Arenas, Daniele Garrisi, Jun Fan, and Pierre Zuyderhoff. During the intensive 50-day training program, students stayed on campus and fully dedicated themselves to the program.

Hamid Reza Daneshpajouh, as the team leader shared more details of the math camp, "A comprehensive daily schedule was designed for the training program, which included problem-solving classes to enhance our students' problem-solving skills and knowledge base. Additionally, regular weekly exams were considered to prepare students for competition, along with self-directed reading sessions that allowed them to engage with some influential resources relevant to their competitive success."

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Shizhuang Gu told us that despite focusing his curriculum learning in the first year on English language studies, he learned mathematical concepts and skills during the intensive training, securing a third prize and demonstrating his exceptional learning capabilities and deep understanding of mathematics. Shizhuang expressed, “Although I missed the silver medal by just one mark, the experience of preparing for and participating in the competition has been invaluable. I am looking forward to competing again next year!”

The other students also highly valued the training program, noting that the diverse and targeted teaching content from different teachers was instrumental in their strong performance at the competition. Wenbo Gu concurred, “The teachers were incredibly patient, imparting their knowledge generously and encouraging us to engage in critical thinking and in-depth discussions on various topics.”

Tianze Sang, another third-prize winner, has had a passion for mathematics since childhood and was previously honoured with a second prize in the Shandong Province of the Chinese High School Mathematics League. Reflecting on the competition, Tianze said, “I truly felt the pure love for mathematics from participants around the globe. Here, rankings are not the ultimate aim; the joy lies in the process of exploration and learning. Regardless of the final standing, everyone can proudly take the stage, waving their national flag.”

The students carry fond memories of their experience at the international competition. “I’ve witnessed the talent of mathematics enthusiasts from around the world and forged many friendships with like-minded individuals. This journey has not only expanded my horizons but also reinforced my belief that the process of learning and exchange is the most precious asset,” Yueshan Wang added.

This year marks UNNC’s third consecutive participation in the IMC, and its students have once again demonstrated their capabilities and passion on the global stage. It is hoped that they will continue to delve into the depths of mathematical knowledge, advance bravely, and achieve even greater success in their future endeavours.