What if you need to search through months of video files to identify a red car that was in shot for just a few seconds. Or how long do you have to scrub something before it can be considered clean? No big deal if it is the washing-up but what if there are hazardous chemicals in your workplace? 

The answer to both problems is mathematics.  Demonstrating this fact was the driving force for the 100th European Study Group with Industry which took place in Oxford from 7-11 April. Nine companies from sectors as diverse as chemicals, logistics, data processing, government and retail presented problems to a range of the world’s best mathematicians in an intensive week of brainstorming. The mathematicians’ brief was simple. Prove that mathematics can work in the real world and have a commercial application and value.

The result? The video search group came up with brand new algorithms for decompressing jpeg files to make objects recognisable by sharpening the edges in the image and reducing the computer-generated artefacts. Glynn Wright, CEO of Aralia, the company involved, said "we now have a clear insight into how we may advance the state-of-the-art in automated scene analysis. The range of skills brought to bear by graduates and professors alike forms a solid basis for our R&D that will keep Aralia busy for many months to come. Some of the results promise to be of considerable significance to virtually everyone who uses digital images."

In parallel the cleansing group modelled the movement of hazardous materials and decontaminants through carpets and concrete. The key new insight was that cleansing is better if the reaction produces products that are soluble in the decontaminant rather than the hazardous material. "The week was a great success" said Anthony Arkell and Hasmitta Stewart of the Government Decontamination Service. "The range of chemicals and types of surfaces proved to be an impossible task to prioritise and investigate within a laboratory but the outcomes from ESGI 100 will allow us to target further research and development and provide better advice in the interim. It was also a great pleasure to be involved with such a range of talented and enthusiastic people". These successes were repeated across the week as mathematicians and industrialists worked side by side on shared interests and goals. 

We often hear that mathematics underpins science. We hear less how it underpins industry. The 100th Study Group and its predecessors demonstrate that mathematics is a crucial industrial resource and that industrial R&D can provide fantastic challenges for mathematicians. For more information please contact Chris Breward (@email).

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