PGS Funds Mathematics Campaigns in Norway and Africa

The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the seismic company PGS have entered into a million kroner agreement to support mathematics initiatives in Norway and Africa

Petroleum Geo-Services​ (PGS) and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters have signed a cooperation agreement regarding support for measures to increase interest in mathematics in general and to improve competence in mathematics both in Norway and in developing countries. The agreement has an annual budget of NOK 3 million over a period of 5 years, starting in 2012.

The agreement is twofold. The national section consists of contributions to the Niels Henrik Abel​’s mathematics competition, Abel Scholarships and the educational website matematikk.org.

Internationally, the intention is to support the development and teaching of mathematics in developing countries. There are concrete plans to support the establishment of a regional “Center of Excellence in Mathematics” in Africa.

The agreement was signed by CEO Jon Erik Reinhardsen in PGS and Øivind Andersen General Secretary of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

Partnership for Mathematics

“For PGS, it is important to stimulate interest in mathematics and to improve competence in mathematics both in Norway and in developing countries. As one of the leading players in seismic and geophysics, we see every day that skilled employees are crucial to our success. We want to be a partner for the important work of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund is doing in this regard, and will provide both financial support and our expertise,” said Jon Erik Reinhardsen.

Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) offers a wide range of seismic and electromagnetic services, including data collection and processing, reservoir analysis and interpretation, as well as multi-client library data. PGS helps oil companies to find oil and gas reserves offshore worldwide.

“We are delighted that PGS would like to support activities that stimulate mathematical interest among young people in Norway. This is in line with the intentions behind the creation of the Abel Prize. The support of PGS gives us a fantastic opportunity to increase our support to youth,” says Helge Holden, professor of mathematics and chairman of the Abel Fund.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff , November 28, 2011; Image: ed.gov