On Friday 27 February, students from the MATh.en.JEANS Challenge Programme visited the University of Stuttgart for an afternoon dedicated to discovering the world of mathematical research.
They attended a lecture by Professor Michael Eisermann on game theory, with a particular focus on the game of Nim. This interactive presentation helped them understand how certain types of games can be modelled mathematically and introduced them to tools used to determine whether a position is winning and how to compute an optimal strategy.

Hannah Eisermann, a university student, guided the pupils through additional situations in order to apply the mathematical tools that had been presented.

Dr Théo Belin then introduced the profession of a mathematics researcher, providing concrete insight into the academic pathway and the challenges of research. His presentation of the Banach–Tarski paradox sparked curiosity and lively discussions among the students.

The afternoon continued with a snack kindly offered by the university — a much appreciated convivial moment — before the students themselves led workshops related to their own research topics. Each group proposed an activity, encouraging exchange, reflection and cooperation.

A half-day rich in discovery and mathematical exchange.