I am a coordinator of this seminar since 2006.
The Blundon seminar is our annual three-day event for senior high school students who are interested in mathematics and demonstrate consistently good performance in mathematics competitions. Participation in the seminar is by invitation only based on the results of preceding Blundon, Euclid, Fermat,and Cayley contests. Each year we have about 35-50 students.
During the seminar the students attend two one-hour talks given by professors from MUN on various mathematical topics and applications in science and engineering. There are several problem solving sessions as well as other activities such as Mathletics and Papers Chase. The winner of Blundon Contest is presented with the Blundon Shield, and the winners of other contests are also presented with money and book prizes. The awards for the best results in mathematics competitions are presented during the banquet, where a collective photo is taken as well.
The first Blundon seminar took place in May 1982. It is named after professor W.J. Blundon who was the first head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at MUN, and an avid problem solver. This seminar traditionally combines intellectual and fun/sport components. According to students responses collected after each seminar this event is enjoyable, informative, and memorable for many of them. It also plays a significant role in the recruitment of the best student for their further studies at MUN.
Many of former participants continue to show a great success during their graduate studies of mathematics in other universities including University of Toronto, U of Waterloo, and UBC.
Several of our current faculty members were participants of the seminar in the past.
Math Kangaroo: problem-solving game for grades 3-12
