José Vasconcelos World Award of Education 1994

Field of Work: Mathematical Pedagogy

Place of Ceremony: 19 Sep 1994, Chambery, France

Hosting Institution: CODATA / ICSU / UNESCO

Chambery, France, September 1994. The World Cultural Council presented the 1994 José Vasconcelos World Award of Education to Prof. Peter Joseph O’Halloran, Director of the Australian International Centre for Mathematics Enrichment The Official Awarding Ceremony took place during the 14th International Conference on Environmental and Computer Science of CODATA in Chambéry, France which acted as host for 1994.

Prof. O’Halloran was selected for his most important contribution that is the Australian Mathematics Competition, now the largest in the world. His initiatives have enhanced the acceptance in educational circles of mathematical challenges and competitions in stimulating the learning of school mathematics.

He has set up a supportive network for nearly 700 teachers and mathematicians from over 90 countries. This support includes the exchange of information and contacts, the popularising of mathematics generally, and the recognition of educators on international and national levels through the creation of the David Hilbert (International) and Paul Erdös (National) Awards.

In recognition of his vision and more than 70 publications, Professor O’Halloran was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1985, the Fellowship of the Australian College of Education in 1986, the Fellowship of the Institute of Combinatorics and its Applications in 1990, and the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa by Deakin University in 1991.