Marcin Paczkowski

One alumni-funded Leeds scholar is studying how solving complex equations can help us understand phenomena from weather systems to brain tumours. Second year mature student Marcin Paczkowski is undertaking cutting-edge research to examine equations and their real-world impact.

Marcin, from Poznan in Poland, is studying Computer Science with Mathematics, and was selected to join a research group led by Professor Peter Jimack, which is harnessing the power of multiple computers to tackle major mathematical problems.

 “It’s about combining the numerical power of many different machines to solve very complex partial and ordinary differential equations,” he explained. “These occur in real-world phenomena which change constantly and require continuous examination – such as in weather and climate systems, heat flows and in the growth of cancer tumours.”  

Marcin is undertaking this research thanks to an Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship. URL scholarships, funded by alumni, are giving our most promising undergraduates an early opportunity to gain experience of research, cementing Leeds’ reputation for nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Scholars join research teams during the summer breaks after their first and second years of undergraduate study.

Marcin, who first came to the UK in 2005, and enrolled at Leeds after completing an International Foundation Year, was delighted to be chosen for the scheme. “I didn’t want to waste the summer break and had been looking for similar opportunities outside the University.”

It’s a competitive process. Ten students applied for the opportunity and two were invited for interview, but teaching co-ordinator Dr Sarah Fores said that Marcin was selected both on the strength of his academic achievement – top of his group in the first year – and his evident commitment to the scheme. After spending his first summer placement laying the groundwork for his project, this summer he is looking forward to making a major contribution to the work.

Sarah is hoping that for Marcin this will prove to be the first step towards a successful academic career: “It’s challenging to do a combined degree in maths and computing, but the research is a close match to what he is studying in the degree programme. It will hopefully lead him into a really good final year project – and we’re sure he can achieve a First. “Really, this is a fast track for students who are considering doing a PhD.