Outreach
Contact Us
Asghar Ghorbanpour
E-mail: aghorba@uwo.ca
The Western Mathematics Exposition Competition
What the *trig* is this?!
Welcome to the Western Mathematics Exposition (WeMaEx).
This is not your typical math test. We challenge high school students to team up (groups of 2-3) to explore math topics that go beyond the textbook.
You pick a theme. You pick a format (Video, Poster, or Artifact). You compete for medals and cash prizes at Western University.
Top Awards:
The top winner teams in each category will receive a $1,000 prize.
All placing teams (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) will also receive official WeMaEx Medals.
Timeline for 2025-26
- Jan 1, 2026: Themes Released (See below!)
- Feb 21, 2026: Registration Deadline
- March 25, 2026: Progress Check
- April 8, 2026: Final Submission Deadline (We accept late registration)
- April 25, 2026: Award Ceremony & Project Display Day
The Formats
Choose the medium that fits your style.
Specs release: Feb 21, 2026.*
Poster
Design a visually stunning poster explaining your mathematical concept.
- Goal: Visualize the data and the theory.
- Judging: Based on the official rubric.
Video
Produce an engaging video that breaks down complex ideas into something fun to watch.
- Goal: Teach and entertain.
- Judging: Based on the official rubric.
Artifact (Makers' Category)
Build a physical object or 3D model representing a mathematical concept.
- Goal: Make math tangible.
- Judging: Live judging on April 25th (Math Fair style) in the presence of judges, peers, and mentors.
2026 Themes
Select one theme for your project.
Theme 1: Mathematics and Nature
How does math decode the natural world?
- Some Ideas: Sustainability, biological systems, viral spread (epidemiology), climate change modeling, or population growth.
- Focus: How math informs real-world decision-making.
Theme 2: Ancient Mathematics
RESTRICTION: ARTIFACT FORMAT ONLY. Posters and videos submitted for this theme will be disqualified.*
Travel back in time. Recreate or design an artifact inspired by historical civilizations.
- Ideas: Ancient calculation tools, architectural geometry, or navigation devices.
- Focus: Connect the object to the theorem or method used by the ancients.
Theme 3: Modern Math in the Digital World
The invisible math behind your screen.
- Some Ideas: Cryptography & cyber-security, AI algorithms, or the geometry of video game design.
- Focus: Translating math into the tech we use every day.
Theme 4: Mysteries of Mathematics
Delve into the "Unsolvable."
- Ideas: Pick an open problem that has stumped mathematicians for years.
- Focus: Explain the context, why it's so hard to solve, and what a solution would mean for the world.
BONUS: Canadian Contributions
Want to win extra money?
This is an add-on category. If your project (from any theme above) highlights the work of Canadian Mathematicians (past or present), you are automatically entered for this special prize.
- Prize: $500 award extra for the winning team.
Teams & Mentors
The Team
Groups of 2-3 High School Students (grade 9 - 12).
- Fee: $75 per team.
- Note: Financial support is available! Contact the coordinator (aghorba@uwo.ca) if you need funding.*
The Mentor
Every team needs a guide.
- Who can be a mentor? High school teachers, B.Ed candidates, or Senior Western Undergrads.
- The Job: Help pick a topic, manage time, and keep the team on track. You handle the official submission.
- Commitment: Approx. 7-10 hours total.
Registration
Find your team members and complete the registration. The registration fee for each team is $75. Financial support is available for those who need it—just contact the coordinator for more information.
Team Registration (Late Registration Is Available)
Resources and Past Winners
Need inspiration? Check out how previous winners took home the gold.
Winners of Poster Projects
- Gold Medal Winning Poster:
- Title: The Sleeping Beauty Problem
- School name: London Central Secondary School
- Mentor: Adam Ursenbach (Student Mentor)
- Silver Medal Winning Poster:
- Title: Geoid Model - The Secret to GPS Accuracy
- School Name: Catholic Central Highschool
- Mentor: Andrea Sproule (Teacher Mentor)
- Bronze Medal Winning Poster:
- Title: Calculus - Unearthing the Treasure of Change
- School Name: Westmount Charter School, Calgary, Alberta
- Mentor: Cory Gagnon (Teacher Mentor)
Winners of Video Projects
Winner of the Mathematical Artifact Projects
- Gold Medal Winning Mathematical Artifacts:
- Title: DIGICOMP II
- School name: Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School
- Mentor: Barham Dababneh (Teacher Mentor)
- Silver Medal Winning Mathematical Artifacts:
- Title: Mechanical Turing Machine The Game of Life
- School name:London Central Secondary School
- Mentor: Phillip Bannon (Teacher Mentor)
Winner of The Special Category (Contributions of Black Mathematicians)
- Gold Medal Winning Project:
- Title: Geoid Model - The Secret to GPS Accuracy
- School Name: Catholic Central Highschool
- Mentor: Andrea Sproule (Teacher Mentor)
Highlights of Past Competitions
Highlights of 2024-25 Competition
Highlights of 2023-24 Competition
Highlights of 2022-23 Competition
Helpful Guide
The following video can help the participants to choose a proper topic for their project as well as guide them in the production of their project.
Organizing Committee of 2025-26:
- Coordinator: Dr. Asghar Ghorbanpour
- Coordinator Assistant: Anna Ng
- Marketing and Outreach Director: Bahar Zali Kah Kesh
- Operations Assistants: Harshith Alagandala
- Mathematics Element Advisor: Adrian Chitan
