Focus Periods

thematicprogramsThe most intensive research activities of PIMS are the Focus Periods, each covering a specific but substantial area of research in the mathematical sciences, with participants ranging from students to world experts. These programs consist of a group of scientific activities dealing with a specific theme of current importance to Canada and to the discipline in order to achieve the following objectives:

 

  • Attract sufficient mathematical expertise to Western Canada for a substantial period of time so that a critical mass of specialists can develop and work together for the advancement of the concerned area.
  • Bring together researchers working on a common theme but from complementary perspectives in order to create settings for synergistic interactions.
  • Facilitate the communication of ideas and create opportunities for collaboration between visiting and resident mathematical scientists.
  • Develop new and thriving areas of mathematical research in Western Canada and introduce Canadian mathematicians to the interesting mathematical problems arising in other disciplines.
  • Expose graduate students, the scientific community at large, and mathematics users in the private sector to the recent advances in a specific theme of mathematical research and its applications.

 

Each Focus Period typically includes invited world experts (short- and long-term), workshops and conferences, tutorials and mini-courses for non-experts and graduate students, and public lectures/exhibits (as appropriate).

While PIMS CRGs routinely organize focus periods, which form the centrepiece of the CRGs' activities, PIMS also encourages proposals for focus periods in areas not covered by active CRGs. Focus periods are special opportunity events depending on current mathematical trends and collaborative prospects. They usually take place in the summer and vary in length depending on the discipline.

Proposals are evaluated by the PIMS Scientific Review Panel to ensure the highest scientific quality and appropriateness of the subject. Once approved, the Focus Period and scheduled events are widely advertised.

Past Focus Periods

Applied, Algebraic and Geometric Topology
The Focus Period on Applied, Algebraic and Geometric Topology This summer, PIMS will have a Focus Period on Applied, Algebraic and Geometric Topology as part of the CRG of the same name. Events occurring this summer will include: June 29-July 10...
Representations in Arithmetic
Scientific Committee: Rachel Ollivier (University of British Columbia) Sujatha Ramdorai (University of British Columbia) Peter Schneider (Universität Münster) 2018 Schedule: Short term Visitors: Jan 24-26: Benedict Gross, Harvard University with a...
Systemic Risk and Financial Networks
The Focus Period on Systemic Risk and Financial Networks. Financial markets are not physical systems. The rules they operate are determined by regulation, and the operators try their best to influence and circumvent these regulations insofar as they...
Celestial Mechanics
As part of the Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 initiative, PIMS, along with BIRS, CIRM, CRM, Fields, the Institut Henri Poincaré, and SIMCA, are sponsoring a focus period on Celestial Mechanics. Celestial mechanics is an object of study and...
Quantum Information
The Collaborative Research Group on the Mathematics of Quantum Information will hold a focus period during the summer of 2013. To cap off the last year of the CRG, the following events will take place: • 13th Canadian Summer School on Quantum...
Optimization
The Collaborative Research Group on Optimization: Theory, Algorithms and Applications will hold a focus period during spring-fall 2013. Events include: May 3-4, 2013: The West Coast Optimization Meeting at the University of Washington (Organizer: J...
L-functions and Number Theory Focus Period
PIMS' L-functions and Number Theory CRG is currently ramping up its activities in preparation for the Focus Period in Number Theory. The first focus period takes place from May 29-July 5, 2011. The premiere event is from May 29-June 3, 2011, when the...
Applied Mathematics Perspectives
OverviewThis sequence of events, supporting the flagship ICIAM 2011 meeting of the Applied Mathematics community, reflects the diversity and strengths of applied mathematics today.The event runs July 13-17, 2011 at the University of British Columbia...
Challenges and Perspectives in Probability
CRM-PIMS Joint Special Focus Period in: Challenges and Perspectives in Probability A Special Focus Period on Challenges and Perspectives in Probability was held at the CRM in Montreal and PIMS-UBC in Vancouver during 2008-09. This program...