We are pleased to announce that COCOA's Fourth International School on Computer Algebra will take place in May 2005 at PORTO CONTE near Alghero (Sardinia, Italy)
In coordination with the organizers of the international meeting on computer algebra, MEGA05 we have decided not to have our usual COCOA meeting follow the School. Instead, this year, MEGA05 will immediately follow the School, in the same location.

The International School will be in session from Monday, May 23, 2005 to Thursday May 26. MEGA will begin in the afternoon of May 27.

Following the very successful format we have used for the previous schools, (link to the other schools) there will be two intensive courses (8 hours of instruction in each) plus tutorials for those courses (Mon-Wed. afternoons) as well as a minicourse (4 hours). We are delighted that the following excellent researchers and instructors have agreed to give the courses:







The tutors and assistants will be able to provide help for participants in the use of the computer algebra system CoCoA. Students who own laptops are encouraged to bring them for use during the tutorials. The CoCoA software is available for installation by downloading it from the CoCoA web page.

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There is space in the school for at most 18 participants, who should currently be enrolled in a doctoral programme somewhere in the world or be recent postdoctoral fellows. All students who are accepted for admission to the School will receive a scholarship which will cover some of the expenses associated with their participation. Those wishing to participate in the School should submit a LETTER OF APPLICATION to either:

Lorenzo Robbiano robbiano@dima.unige.it
Anthony Geramita geramita@dima.unige.it or tony@mast.queensu.ca

The Letter of Application should include the applicant's CV as well as the applicant's reasons for wanting to take part in the school. There should also be included the (email) address of one mathematician who can act as referee for the application.

Applications should be submitted by March 1, 2005 and the final decisions about scholarships will be made before the end of March by the Organizing Committee (A. Geramita, L. Robbiano).

Those accepted to participate in the school are expected to arrive in PORTO CONTE on Sunday, May 22 (the courses will begin on Monday morning) and remain at least until Thursday evening, May 26. All participants in the School are encouraged (but not obligated) to remain for the MEGA meeting.

Information about costs, accommodations, method of payment, etc. will come in the next announcement.

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We look forward to seeing you in Sardinia this coming May. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to write to us.

Best regards,
Tony Geramita
Lorenzo Robbiano