| NSF Org: |
DMS Division Of Mathematical Sciences |
| Recipient: |
|
| Initial Amendment Date: | September 9, 2015 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | July 5, 2022 |
| Award Number: | 1440140 |
| Award Instrument: | Continuing Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Joanna Kania-Bartoszynska
jkaniaba@nsf.gov (703)292-4881 DMS Division Of Mathematical Sciences MPS Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
| Start Date: | September 15, 2015 |
| End Date: | August 31, 2022 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $22,550,000.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $23,203,350.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
FY 2016 = $4,510,000.00 FY 2017 = $9,473,350.00 FY 2018 = $4,610,000.00 FY 2020 = $100,000.00 |
| History of Investigator: |
|
| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
17 GAUSS WAY BERKELEY CA US 94720-5070 (510)642-0143 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
|
| Primary Place of Performance: |
17 Gauss Way Berkeley CA US 94720-5070 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
|
| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
|
| Parent UEI: |
|
| NSF Program(s): |
IUSE, ITEST-Inov Tech Exp Stu & Teac, AISL, Project & Program Evaluation, MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES RES INST, Discovery Research K-12 |
| Primary Program Source: |
01001617DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT 01001718DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT 01001819DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT 01002021DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT 04001718DB NSF Education & Human Resource 04001819DB NSF Education & Human Resource 04002021DB NSF Education & Human Resource 1300XXXXDB H-1B FUND, EDU, NSF |
| Program Reference Code(s): |
|
| Program Element Code(s): |
|
| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.049 |
ABSTRACT
Through its scientific activities, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) of Berkeley, California, seeks to strengthen U.S. research in the mathematical sciences. MSRI works to develop innovative mathematical programs and organizes and hosts a variety of working groups for mathematical scientists. At any given time during the academic year, MSRI is home to leading researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, who come from around the country and the world in order to participate in semester-long research programs on topics drawn from a broad spectrum of active areas in fundamental mathematics. Programs catalyze new research collaborations and create connections for U.S. mathematicians with leading researchers from around the world. In addition, MSRI organizes and hosts many workshops each year that benefit the mathematics community at large; subjects include mathematics education, recent breakthroughs in various areas of the mathematical sciences, and graduate and undergraduate training and research. As a result of these combined activities, approximately 2,000 mathematical scientists each year visit MSRI lectures. MSRI actively promotes the diversity of the research population in the mathematical sciences. Through public events and other outreach programs, the Institute also contributes to the public's understanding of mathematics and its utility in modern society, as well as appreciation of the inherent beauty of mathematics.
Long-term programs are organized around subjects proposed by members of the mathematics research community that are then developed with the advice and guidance of MSRI's Scientific Advisory Committee. Programs involve a wide range of areas in mathematics, from number theory to subjects connected to physics and computation. The Institute works to combine fields and pair programs in ways that are often novel, lead to new connections, and sometimes lead to the recognition of a new field. Each program features introductory and research workshops, a Connections for Women workshop, seminars and lectures, postdoctoral mentoring, and collaborative research among the participants, with the goal of assimilating and expounding the latest results in the area, stimulating new research and collaborations, and disseminating the results, through traditional publication channels as well as video streaming. Two-week Summer Graduate Schools introduce ideas and trends in mathematics that broaden students' perspective and introduce them to future colleagues. Other programs include Hot Topics Workshops, planned at short range, which complement the long-term programs and their workshops, catalyzing research progress in rapidly developing fields in the mathematical sciences.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
The work supported by this grant included major efforts for:
The advancement and communication of fundamental knowledge in mathematics and the mathematical sciences:
During the period of this grant, MSRI organized 24-30 events per academic year. More than 10,000 researchers from over 950 universities visited MSRI for one of its events.
MSRI hosted 22 of its flagship semester-long programs during this grant period. On average, more than 70 mathematicians per program had the opportunity to gather, learn, and collaborate intensively on research within their area of expertise. Each program resulted in many collaborative relationships, projects, and publications, which continue to impact mathematical research and ideas beyond MSRI. In order to reach further into the mathematical community, MSRI hosted more than 60 scientific workshops for the mathematical community at large to engage with the flagship programs. Additionally, once or twice a year MSRI hosted a Hot Topics workshop highlighting fresh innovations in the mathematical sciences.
MSRI also introduced two workshops designed to support specific research groups and their projects. The African Diaspora Joint Mathematics Workshop (ADJOINT), aimed at groups of primarily Black researchers, was introduced in 2019; and the Summer Research in Mathematics (SRiM) workshop, aimed at groups of primarily women or gender expansive individuals, was introduced in 2017. Research groups are invited to MSRI for a period of two weeks in the summer to spend time advancing their projects and participating in professional development activities. MSRI provides financial and logistical support to groups throughout the subsequent year for them to travel and continue collaboration, publish results, present work at conferences, and disseminate their research. The ADJOINT and SRiM programs have each resulted in many publications, ongoing collaborations, and conference presentations and will continue to do so in the future.
The development of human capital for the growth and use of such knowledge:
A crucial facet of MSRI?s activity is the recruitment, training, and advancement of new mathematicians. MSRI begins this effort by seeking exciting ways to introduce young people to mathematical concepts, such as through the Mathical Book Prize (introduced by MSRI in 2018) which recognizes outstanding math-inspired literature for kids aged 2-18. Additionally, MSRI?s annual Critical Issues in Mathematics Education (CIME) workshop draws roughly 150 K-12 educators and research mathematicians each year to discuss ways to improve early math education.
Each year 18 undergraduate students participated in the annual MSRI Undergraduate Program (MSRI-UP); an intensive research and professional development experience with access to world-renowned researchers, opportunities to present their original research at national conferences, and publication assistance when appropriate. MSRI-UP students continue to receive long-term mentoring the leadership team and forge strong professional networks. MSRI-UP served primarily students from underrepresented groups and students with limited opportunities or resources for whom the program might have the most impact. MSRI-UP began in 2007 and by the end of this grant period, a total of 187 alumni have so far gone on to graduate school, 88 have earned a Masters, and 50 have earned a PhD.
Furthermore, MSRI hosted 4-8 two-week summer graduate schools annually. Approximately 1,235 students participated in one of 39 summer schools, giving them the opportunity to refine their mathematical interests, form connections with other researchers, experience the environment at unfamiliar universities, and learn new skills that will advance their careers. Additionally, approximately 40 graduate students per year are invited to accompany their advisors to one of MSRI?s flagship programs; an unparalleled professional experience for a young researcher.
Finally, 164 Postdoctoral Fellows participated in one of MSRI?s programs. Postdoctoral fellows at MSRI receive formal mentoring from a senior researcher in residence with whom they closely collaborate. Additionally, their mentor introduces them to other senior researchers, helps match them with collaborators with similar interests, gives feedback on papers and talks, and provides other professional advice. Former Postdoctoral Fellows have often reported that the experience at MSRI played a pivotal role in their careers.
The cultivation in the larger society of awareness and appreciation of the beauty, power and importance of mathematical ideas and ways of understanding the world:
Integral to MSRI?s mission is the cultivation of the public?s understanding of and appreciation for mathematics. To that end, MSRI produced several films for public television telling the stories of mathematicians who have overcome odds, solved unusual problems, and inspired generations; the most recent of which, Secrets of the Surface, tells the story of the remarkable Maryam Mirzakhani. MSRI also sponsors the popular YouTube channel Numberphile, which brings the joy of mathematics to its more than 4 million subscribers. In addition, MSRI hosted the inaugural National Math Festival in Washington D.C. in 2015 and have continued it biennially. More than 70,000 students, teachers, kids, parents, and community members have participated in an NMF event and we hope many more will enjoy such events in the future.
Last Modified: 12/21/2022
Modified by: Helene Barcelo
Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.
