Clarkson Institute Mathematical Competition & Talent Programme
The Only Tuition-Free, Selective, Cambridge-Based Global Math Summer Programme for the Next Generation of AI Leaders
📍 University of Cambridge
👥 Target 16-18 year old students
📆 August 2-16, 2026 (Exact Date: TBC)
Course overview
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.
Course Objectives
By the end of the programme, students will:
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Strengthen their ability to construct and communicate mathematical proofs
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Develop advanced problem-solving techniques for competitions and university entrance
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Experience Cambridge-style tutorials and collaborative inquiry
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Engage in academic discussion and mathematical writing
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Build confidence, discipline and intellectual curiosity in an international academic setting
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Gain a certificate issued by the University of Cambridge
❒ Course Content
Curated and led by Dr Owain Salter Fitz-Gibbon and Dr James Moore. Teaching topics will cover:
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Numbers Theory
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Topology
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Geometry
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Theoretical physics
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Problem Solving
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AI Foundations
❒ Teaching Style
Over 50 hours of in-depth mathematics teaching delivered by faculty from the University of Cambridge.
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Morning Lectures: Core mathematical concepts taught by Cambridge tutors
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Afternoon Tutorials: Small-group discussions and guided problem-solving
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Evening Labs & Research Sessions: Explore open problems and collaborative investigations
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Guest Seminars: Talks by mathematicians and experts in AI, finance and data science
❒ Key Dates and Timeline
January 8
March/ April
April - June
August 2-16
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Information Session with President Girish Menon in Hong Kong
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Application begins
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Entrance Exam
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Score Announcement
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Confirmation of Acceptance, Reading Lists sent out from Clarkson Institute for preparation
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Clarkson Institute Mathematical Competition & Talent Programme
❒ Assessments & Recognition
📝 Assessments
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A 2-week ongoing Research Challenge
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Problem Sets & Proof Assignments
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Team Project Presentation
🎖️ Recognition
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Personalized Report Card and Analysis, endorsed by Professors from Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge
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Certificate of Achievement jointly issued by Clarkson Institute and Lucy Cavendish College
❒ Programme Schedule
Each day follows a Cambridge-style rhythm of lectures, tutorials, problem-solving sessions, and independent study.
09:00 - 12:00
Lecture
Intensive theoretical teaching and guided examples led by Cambridge faculty.
12:00 - 14:00
Lunch & College Break
Students dine in Lucy Cavendish’s Dining Hall or nearby university cafés.
14:00 - 16:00
Problem Solving Session
Supervised practice, competition-style problems, and structured exercises.
16:00 - 17:00
Small Group Tutorials
Socratic discussions and clarifications with tutors.
Evening
Activities (vary every day)
Guest talks, structured reading, or supervised homework sessions.
Our Academic Team
Academic Depth · Faculty-Led Excellence · Deep Thinking
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.
Program Highlights
Unmatched Academic Growth
A transformative journey elevating your mathematical thinking and personal development.
Long lasting Mentorship
Build meaningful, lifelong mentor relationships that guide academic progress and future pathways.
Distinguished Teaching Team
Program is crafted and taught by esteemed Cambridge professors, with tutorials led by insightful Cambridge students.
Post-Program Engagement
Stay connected with mentors and the supportive talent community that lasts after the program ends.
Interactive Learning
Sharpen critical thinking and communication through debates led by Cambridge-trained tutors.
Certificates & Recommendations
Earn a Cambridge-endorsed certificate, with top performers receiving recommendation letters to strengthen future applications.
Experience Life at Cambridge
Live the life as a Cambridge student experience tutorials, college life, and real university culture.
Seminar-Style Teaching
Learn in small-group, seminar-style classes designed to stretch thinking beyond traditional school teaching.
Pre-Departure Learning
Access to curated pre-program coaching and materials, ensuring all students arrive confident and wellprepared.