Applied Mathematics Perspectives 2011

This sequence of events, supporting the flagship ICIAM 2011 meeting of the Applied Mathematics community, reflects the diversity and strengths of applied mathematics today.

Although the historical roots of Applied Mathematics lie in applied analysis and the development of Newtonian physics, today Applied Mathematics is a broad reaching set of interwoven disciplines and skills, which are applied to understanding every facet of nature, science, industry and modern life. This dynamic and ever-changing field includes classical mathematical areas (differential equations, numerical analysis, asymptotic and variational methods, applied probability), all pursued from the application perspective, as well as areas such as applied mechanics and fluid dynamics. Each of these areas advances apace, embracing in particular high speed computation, but newer areas are also intertwined into the applied mathematics fabric.

Mathematical biology, computational PDEs, mathematical finance, computational optimization, inverse problems, discrete mathematics, dynamical systems and industrial mathematics, are but a few of the many areas. On top of these, some traditional areas of pure mathematics are becoming progressively important in specific applications (e.g., number theory and cryptography), and traditionally non-mathematical areas of science and industry are sprouting new problem areas (e.g., medicine, textiles, food manufacturing).

Through focused and timely workshops in key application areas we will discuss ongoing developments and produce a vision for the future. The workshops will combine both experienced and younger researchers, some including educational components for graduate students. Seven of the workshops will be held simultaneously on the UBC campus, enhancing the possibilities of synergy between sub-disciplines and cross-fertilisation of ideas.