Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) 2024 – Singapore

(20 May 2024–19 Jul 2024)

Overview

The Research in Industrial Projects for Students Program in Singapore (RIPS-SG) is run by the Institute for Mathematical Sciences (IMS) in collaboration with IPAM/UCLA and provides an opportunity for talented undergraduate students to work in international teams on a real-world research project proposed by sponsors. The student team, with support from their academic mentor and industry mentor, will research the problem and present their results, both orally and in writing, at the end of the program.

The program is open to students from Singapore and Asian universities.

The program is of nine weeks duration. Projects vary, but all involve mathematics, statistics, data science and computer science to some degree.

Activities

Shared offices at IMS will be provided to all participants. All participants are expected to work with their teams on the project daily at IMS during office hours unless exception is given. Below is a list of key dates where all teams will get together for presentations, etc.

	Date	Abstract
Opening Day	20 May 2024	N/A
Projects Finals Day	18 July 2024	N/A
Closing Day	19 July 2024	N/A

Venue

IMS

FAQs:

Who should consider applying to RIPS-Singapore?

RIPS is a program for students who are starting their third year or have just completed an undergraduate (bachelors) degree. Students with a strong background in mathematics and an interest in seeing how mathematics is used in the real world are encouraged to apply. Most of the projects have a significant computational component, so that proficiency (or at least some experience) in computer science, data analysis or numerical computation is valuable, but not necessary for everyone.

What will participating in RIPS do for me?

First, in contrast to most summer research experiences that focus on an academic problem where students work closely with a faculty member, RIPS students apply their knowledge in mathematics, statistics, data science, computer science or related areas to a real-world industrial problem, with an emphasis on problem solving using whatever methods are appropriate. Second, RIPS students work on teams; for many students, this is their first experience working in a team environment. Third, RIPS provides students an opportunity to explore careers in mathematics, science and technology. They learn about the company that is sponsoring their project through interaction with their industrial mentor. Fourth, RIPS students learn report writing and public presentation skills that will be invaluable to them as they continue with an academic or professional career in an industrial setting. Finally, students will live and work with students from Asian countries, and skills you develop, will give you an edge in the job market.

What is it is like to participate in RIPS-Singapore?

RIPS students live, work and socialize together over the summer, so they form close professional and personal relationships. Students will have a large shared office at IMS, with private team meeting space available upon request. Public transportation is convenient and inexpensive. Students work hard, but they also explore the city, go on hikes, take weekend trips, and find other ways to enjoy their summer in Singapore.

What does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes research, of course, but this is just part of it. You will experience group work, perhaps for the first time, and learn to navigate the team environment. In addition, you will learn to present the results of your research. You will write a formal final report for your "client" (the industry sponsor) as well as prepare and give final presentations of your work during "Projects Day."

Can I choose my sponsor or which project I want to participate in?

No, you cannot choose your sponsor and/or the project. The Program Director will assess the merits of each selected applicant, assign and allocate the team members for each project.

What classes should a student have already completed to be adequately prepared for RIPS?

The backgrounds of successful applicants vary quite a bit. Most have taken some upper-division courses in mathematics, statistics, programming and related subjects. We will consider the courses you have completed to decide which project is right for you; since students work in teams, if you haven't covered a subject that is relevant to your project, chances are one of the other students has.

I will graduate with my Bachelors Degree this spring; am I eligible to participate in the RIPS-SG program this summer?

Yes, we will accept applicants who will complete their bachelor’s degree anytime in 2024.

What support do participants receive?

Students from Singapore and Asian universities will receive a stipend.
Travel allowance is only provided for students travelling to Singapore.
Shared accommodation within NUS campus is provided for all participants. For the full experience, all participants must stay together at the allocated location within NUS campus.

What is expected of me?

Applicants are expected to commit their time fully to the program.
Participants are provided with shared offices and are expected to report to IMS daily during office hours to work on the assigned project.
All participants must stay together at the allocation location.

Sponsors

The MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT) is an agile unit with the mandate to take an experimental and evidence based approach to redesigning healthcare in Singapore and is set up to help drive the reshaping of our health system at this exciting time of challenge and opportunity. MOHT focuses on a number of longer-term areas with the potential to contribute to fundamental changes in the way we promote health and deliver care. MOHT work closely with partners to design and pilot new initiatives, and concurrently collaborate with MOH, AIC, IHiS and other stakeholders to develop critical enablers of scaling such as technology, data analytics, and finance and incentive redesign. MOHT endeavours to draw all these together as effective new end-to-end system-level solutions that have a transformative impact on care and health outcomes.

The Procter & Gamble (P&G) Singapore Innovation Center (SgIC) is Singapore's largest private research facility. It is equipped to deliver end-to-end innovation thanks to advanced research capability in more than 18 fields of study from biochemistry to big data. Building on a foundation of world class infrastructure and diverse talent, the SgIC actively fosters a culture of innovation.

Cubist Systematic Strategies is the systematic investing business of Point72. We deploy systematic, computer-driven trading strategies across multiple liquid asset classes. The core of our effort is rigorous research into a wide range of market anomalies, driven by our passion to understand the world around us and fueled by unparalleled access to a wide range of publicly available data sources.

Qube Research & Technologies (QRT) is a global quantitative and systematic investment manager, operating in all liquid asset classes across the world. We are a technology and data driven group implementing a scientific approach to investing. Combining data, research, technology and trading expertise has shaped QRT’s collaborative mindset which enables us to solve the most complex challenges. QRT’s culture of innovation continuously drives our ambition to deliver high quality returns for our investors.