The IMA at 20

The IMA is turning 20!

The IMA was founded under a national competition for mathematical sciences institutes. The original call for proposals from NSF came in the fall of 1979. The first Annual Program took place in the Fall of 1982, and was on Continuum and Statistical Approaches to Phase Transition, organized by Oscar Landford. The activities of the IMA has grown by leaps and bounds since the first workshop that took place September 7-17, 1982.

The IMA, which has since moved to Lind Hall, is now a premier mathematical research center bustling with activities. Each year, it lists on its roster, top researchers who are in residence, providing the intellectual leadership for the program, and research guidance for the more junior members of the institute. The IMA typically runs 9 workshops in the theme of the annual program. The total number of visits to the IMA now averages well above 600. In addition to the core research program, the IMA also runs a variety of programs with its affiliate members.

The IMA is particularly proud of its postdoctoral program and industrial program. Many of our former postdocs have gone on to become leaders of their field. The industrial program continues to thrive, with participating corporations using the IMA to gain access to the mathematical science community. The industrial involvement at the IMA has in turn provided mathematicians with new opportunities for research and collaboration, and unique educational activities.