This project supports the research and programmatic activities of the Institute for Mathematics and Its Applications located at the University of Minnesota. The Institute for Mathematics and Its Applications (IMA) is a unique National Science Foundation institute addressing a national need. The IMA is reviving and strengthening the natural and historic ties between the mathematical sciences and other sciences and engineering and between academic scholarship and industrial research. The IMA programs identify problems and areas of mathematical sciences research of concern to other sciences, encourage the development and study of new areas of the mathematical sciences, and stimulate collaboration between mathematical scientists and other scientists. The IMA encourages participation of mathematical sciences in areas of application by: providing an atmosphere conducive to the solution of major problems in various areas of the mathematical sciences; presenting important scientific and technological problems that provide real challenges to mathematical scientists; and demonstrating that research in the mathematical sciences has significant impact in science and engineering. Yearly IMA programs are carefully chosen to provide a meeting ground for mathematical scientists with engineers and scientists from academia, industry, and government laboratories. A year's topic may be in an area of application which requires a number of different mathematical fields, or it may be a broad area of the mathematical sciences known to have applications in a number of scientific disciplines. A typical yearly program is designed around a cadre of senior scientists who are in residence for periods of three to ten months. These senior scientists provide continuity for the program and scientific guidance for the postdoctoral members. The mentoring of postdoctoral fellows is a key component of the IMA programs. In addition to National Science Foundation support, the IMA is supported by 24 sponsoring universities and 13 sponsoring corporations.
