International Mathematical Union – Germany

The International Mathematical Union (IMU) is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering international cooperation in the field of mathematics. Established in 1920, the IMU aims to support and advance mathematical research and education globally. It is a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and plays a crucial role in organizing the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) and other significant scientific conferences. The IMU’s primary objectives include:

• Promoting International Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration and exchange among mathematicians worldwide to advance the discipline.
• Supporting Scientific Meetings: Assisting in the organization of major international mathematical events, including the ICM, to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and research findings.
• Acknowledging Outstanding Research: Recognizing exceptional contributions to mathematics through various scientific prizes.
• Encouraging Mathematical Activities: Supporting international initiatives that contribute to the growth of mathematical science in its pure, applied, or educational aspects.

Historical Milestones

The IMU was initially founded in 1920 but was dissolved in September 1932. It was re-established in 1950 at the Constitutive Convention in New York and formally reinstated on September 10, 1951, with ten member countries. The union’s activities were officially inaugurated at the General Assembly in Rome in March 1952, where the first Executive Committee, President, and various commissions were elected. The IMU was also re-admitted to the ICSU in 1952.

Leadership and Office

Ingrid Daubechies served as the President of the IMU from 2011 to 2014. The current President, Shigefumi Mori, is notable for being the first head from Asia. The IMU’s permanent office was established in Berlin, Germany, following its selection at the 16th IMU General Assembly in Bangalore, India, in August 2010. The office, which opened on January 1, 2011, is hosted by the Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS), part of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Scientific Community.

The International Mathematical Union remains a central institution in the global mathematics community, committed to advancing the field through international collaboration and support.