National Science Foundation awards Brandeis grant in mathematical sciences

Grant designed to foster interdisciplinary research and education across the mathematical and theoretical sciences

The National Science Foundation has awarded Brandeis an Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) grant in the mathematical sciences.

The grant, titled "Geometry and Dynamics: integrated education in the mathematical sciences," is designed to foster interdisciplinary research and education by and for graduate students across the mathematical and theoretical sciences, including chemistry, economics, mathematics, neuroscience and physics.

It is structured around a number of themes common to these disciplines: complex dynamical systems, stochastic processes, quantum and statistical field theory; and geometry and topology.

It is believed to be the first IGERT awarded for the theoretical — as opposed to laboratory sciences – and is expected to be a novel program that will cement existing interdepartmental relationships and encourage exciting new collaborations in the mathematical sciences, including the natural sciences and the International Business School.

The award, $2,867,668 spread out over five years, provides funds for graduate student stipends, travel, seminar speakers and interdisciplinary course development. It contains activities and research opportunities in partnership with the New England Complex Systems Institute in Cambridge, and also provides opportunities for research internships at the International Centre for the Theoretical Sciences in Bangalore.

Principal investigators on the grant are: Bulbul Chakraborty (physics); Albion Lawrence (physics: lead PI); Blake LeBaron (IBS); Paul Miller (neuroscience) and Daniel Ruberman (mathematics). There are 11 additional affiliated Brandeis faculty across biology, chemistry, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, and psychology.

For more information about the program contact Albion Lawrence.