Competition & Talent Programme
The Only Tuition-Free, Selective, Cambridge-Based Global Math Summer Programme for the Next Generation of AI Leaders
The Clarkson Institute Mathematical Competition & Talent Programme is a two-week, tuition-free academic and residential experience hosted at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. Designed and led by Dr Owain Salter Fitz-Gibbon, Lucy’s College Assistant Professor in Mathematics, the programme offers high-achieving students rigorous training in proof-based reasoning and advanced problem-solving.
Through lectures, tutorials and competition practice, students explore topics ranging from number theory, topology to geometry and theoretical physics.
As the first initiative of its kind to collaborate with Asia, Clarkson is committed to nurturing the next generation of mathematical and AI talent. Rooted in the Cambridge tradition of intellectual inquiry and academic excellence, we welcome all nationalities to join.
By the end of the programme, the 20 students will:
Strengthen their ability to construct and communicate mathematical proofs
Develop advanced problem-solving techniques for competitions and university entrance
Experience Cambridge-style tutorials and collaborative inquiry
Engage in academic discussion and mathematical writing
Build confidence, discipline and intellectual curiosity in an international academic setting
Gain a certificate issued by the University of Cambridge
Curated and led by Dr Owain Salter Fitz-Gibbon
and Dr James Moore. Teaching topics will cover:
- Numbers Theory
- Topology
- Geometry
- Theoretical physics
- Problem Solving
- AI Foundations
Over 50 hours of in-depth mathematics teaching delivered by faculty from the University of
Cambridge.
- Morning Lectures: Core mathematical concepts taught by Cambridge tutors
- Afternoon Tutorials: Small-group discussions and guided problem-solving
- Evening Labs & Research Sessions: Explore open problems and collaborative investigations
- Guest Seminars: Talks by mathematicians and experts in AI, finance and data science
Girish Menon in Hong Kong
April
• Confirmation of Acceptance,
Reading Lists sent out from
Clarkson Institute for preparation
• Clarkson Institute Mathematical Competition & Talent Programme
- A 2-week ongoing Research Challenge
- Problem Sets & Proof Assignments
- Team Project Presentation
- Personalized Report Card and Analysis,endorsed by Professors from Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge
- Certificate of Achievement jointly issued byClarkson Institute and Lucy Cavendish College
Each day follows a Cambridge-style rhythm of lectures,
tutorials, problem-solving sessions, and independent study.
problems, and structured exercises.
Our team of university mathematics faculty leads the programme from design to delivery,offering students a rich curriculum in pure mathematics, competition problem-solving and proof-based reasoning — all grounded in Cambridge’s intellectual rigour.
Mathematics, Lucy Cavendish College,
University of Cambridge
Before joining Lucy as a College Assistant Professor Owain spent a couple of years in a similar role as a College Lecturer at Churchill, and before that a year as a Stipendiary Lecturer at Pembroke and Wadham Colleges, Oxford.
In the three years since finishing his PhD in maths at Cambridge, Owain has spent most his time focused on undergraduate teaching.
Dr James Moore is the College Assistant Professor in Physics, and acts as the Director of Studies for Physical Natural Sciences and Physics in Parts IA and IB.
In his research work, he studies the
structure of the proton using statistics and machine-learning tools.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading,
cooking, running, and playing the violin in one of the city orchestras.
A transformative journey elevating your mathematical thinking and personal development.
Stay connected with mentors and the supportive talent community that lasts after the program ends.
Live the life as a Cambridge student experience tutorials, college life,and real university culture.
Build meaningful, lifelong mentor relationships that guide academic progress and future pathways.
Sharpen critical thinking and communication through debates led by Cambridge-trained tutors.
Learn in small-group, seminar-style classes designed to stretch thinking beyond traditional school teaching.
Program is crafted and taught by esteemed Cambridge professors, with tutorials led by insightful Cambridge students.
Earn a Cambridge-endorsed certificate, with top performers receiving recommendation letters to strengthen future applications.
Access to curated pre-program coaching and materials, ensuring all students arrive confident and wellprepared.