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Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM)

IPAM: institute for pure and applied mathematics logo.

IPAM is one of eight NSF Mathematical Sciences Institutes in the U.S. It opened its doors in 2000 with its initial five-year grant, which was renewed in 2005 and again in 2010.

IPAM seeks to bring the full range of mathematical techniques to bear on the great scientific challenges of our time, to stimulate exciting new mathematics via new problems motivated by other sciences, and to train the people who will do this.

Every year IPAM offers two three-month scientific programs, or long programs. These programs bring together senior and junior mathematicians and scientists and engineers from the scientific disciplines related to the program. In addition, IPAM supports graduate students, post-doctoral scholars and young academics to encourage their participation in long programs.

The programs consist of three phases: Tutorials from both streams are offered at the beginning. These are followed by four five-day workshops focusing on particular topics related to the overall theme of the program. The programs culminate with a 1 week Oberwolfach-like workshop at the UCLA conference center at Lake Arrowhead.

Between the long programs, IPAM sponsors independent five-day workshops on a broad range of scientific themes. During the summer IPAM holds a research program for undergraduates (RIPS) focusing on industrial problems as well as a summer school for graduate students. The graduate student summer school is dedicated to an important scientific theme involving problems of mathematical interest.

Our building is situated in the heart of the UCLA campus, adjacent to the Mathematical Sciences building and directly across from Moore Hall. It was designed by world-renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry and constructed in the mid 1970s. It boasts an open and spacious design with large windows that flood the floor space with light. Wooden beams throughout the building serve as balance and add strength to the floorplan. Extensive renovations in 2000 converted the former career center into a state-of-the-art conference center.

Encouraging the careers of women and minority mathematicians and scientists is an important component of IPAM's mission. Read about IPAM's diversity efforts.

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