Monash award for polymath

	Monash award winner Timothy Trudgian plans to do a PhD in mathematics.

The postgraduate scholarships, which commenced in 2004, are worth up to $150,000 over three years and are awarded to scholars expected to become leaders in their fields and of their communities.

Mr Trudgian plans to study elliptic curve cryptanalysis and its potential for military and commercial applications. He then plans to pursue a career in cryptanalysis in the military, government or private sector.

“Demand for security of information transmission in military or private organisations is growing. It is here that I intend to focus my research and career, on the combination of number theory and elliptic curve geometry to create better encryption systems,” Mr Trudgian said.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Mathematics) from ANU and has been the recipient of the National Undergraduate Scholarship (2003-2005), the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence (2002,2003), ANU Distinguished Scholar (2002, 2003 and 2004).

In addition to his outstanding academic achievements, Mr Trudgian is involved in a wide variety of community, cultural and sporting activities.

“As much as mathematics is an important and time consuming part of my life, mathematicians have to live in the real world too.

“The exhilaration that comes from solving a particularly difficult algebraic equation is an intellectual one, a reward for hard work; the rush that comes from sporting and cultural activities is truly satisfying,” he said.

Further information on the John Monash awards visit http://www.monashawards.org/home.asp

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