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A Prairie Network for Research in Mathematical Sciences (PNRMS) has
been formed in 2007. The main objective of the Network is to help encourage
and advance research in the mathematical sciences in the provinces of
Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The formation of the Network, which is
modelled in line with the Atlantic Alliance for Research in
Mathematical Sciences (which serves the Atlantic provinces), was
strongly encouraged by the Directors of the Fields Institutes for
Research in Mathematical Sciences (Fields) and the Pacific Institute
for Mathematical Sciences (PIMS). The Coordinating Committee of the
PNRMS consists of: Abba Gumel (University of Manitoba), Stephen
Kirkland (University of Regina), and Ray Spiteri (University of
Saskatchewan).
The Network was formally launched during the first Annual Meeting of
the PNRMS held at University of Regina, May 3--4, 2007. The Organizing
Committee of the inaugural meeting consisted of a member from each of
the participating universities as follows: Murray Bremner (University
of Saskatchewan), Douglas Farenick, Chair (University of Regina),
Chenkuan Li (Brandon University), Anna Stokke (University of
Winnipeg), and Nina Zorboska (University of Manitoba). The meeting,
which attracted over 40 researchers from 5 universities within the
provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, featured 14 research talks in
diverse areas of mathematics (each of 50 minutes duration) over the
2-day period. Posters were also presented. A noticeable feature of
the Inaugural Meeting was the participation of numerous younger
researchers and women.
In addition to encouraging research programs and activities in
areas that are particularly relevant to the socio-economic needs
of the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan (such as
agriculture, environment, industry etc.), the PNRMS will greatly
encourage mathematical research activities in areas where the
prairie universities have critical mass. These areas include
(among others):
- Mathematical Biology and Dynamical Systems
- Computational Mathematics, High-Performance Computing,
and Computer Algebra
- Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, and Combinatorics
- Applied Statistics, Statistical Physics, and Chemistry
- Analysis and Operator Algebras
- Mathematical Modelling, Mathematical Physics, and Industrial Mathematics
- Actuarial Mathematics and Mathematical Finance
Membership: Membership of the Network is to be on a university-wide basis (so that
researchers from all the mathematical sciences disciplines of a
participating university would enjoy access to the Network). For now,
membership is restricted to the aforementioned 5 prairie universities,
with the possibility of continued cross-border expansion in the future
(e.g., University of Lakehead, University of North Dakota, etc.). The
Network will work in partnership with established local research
centres (such as the IIMS at Manitoba, Centre for High Performance
Computing and CALC at Saskatchewan, etc.)
Administrative Structure: Once fully established, the Network will be run by a Director and a
Deputy Director, with one coming from each of the provinces of Saskatchewan and
Manitoba and alternating between the two provinces on a two-year
basis. The Deputy Director, at the end of his/her two-year term, is
expected to become the new Director. For the 2007--2008 academic
year, the Network will be run by Abba Gumel (Manitoba) and Stephen
Kirkland (Regina) as Co-Directors. The main administrative tasks for
the next year include the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board,
the identification of an incoming Director/Deputy Director team, and
the continued development of the grass-roots support for the Network
within the member institutions. |
