Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
The 14th edition of the AIMS Conference kicked off at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Monday, gathering leading mathematicians and scientists from around the world to delve into a wide range of topics related to analysis, applied mathematics and computational sciences.
The biennial event is co-hosted by the American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in cooperation with the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM).
The topics discussed span across differential equations, dynamical systems, fluid dynamics, control and optimisation, mathematical physics, engineering mathematics, biomathematics and more.
A Unique Opportunity in Abu Dhabi
This year's event is the first time the AIMS Conference is held in the Arab world.
"We are very committed to increasing access to mathematics and science globally. Bringing this conference to Abu Dhabi allows us to be at the crossroads of the north, south, east and west, providing a unique opportunity for diverse intellectual exchange," Diogo Arsenio, Associate Professor of Mathematics at NYUAD and Organising Chair of the conference, told Aletihad.
The conference has attracted over 1,500 participants from more than 56 countries, highlighting Abu Dhabi's growing status as an academic hub.
"People are increasingly curious about this region and what we're doing here. Abu Dhabi has become a dynamic centre for academia and innovation," Arsenio added.
Promoting Diversity in Mathematics
The inclusion of a diverse array of research interests ensures that the conference is inclusive, welcoming contributions from all areas of mathematics, Arsenio noted.
An important focus of this year's conference is the promotion of women in mathematics, a commitment maintained by both AIMS and NYUAD.
As part of this initiative, the conference has set up two photo exhibitions: one celebrating the legacy of Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal, and another showcasing portraits of women mathematicians from around the world.
"These exhibitions are a tribute to women in mathematics, and they are a way to honour their contributions and inspire the next generation," Arsenio said.
A Legacy of Global Impact
AIMS Director Shouchuan Hu, reflecting on the history of the conference dating back roughly 30 years, noted that the event has been pivotal in advancing research in dynamical systems and differential equations.
"We are the largest and highest-calibre international conference in this field, and every year we see new generations of researchers bringing fresh perspectives," he said in an interview with Aletihad.
Hu also highlighted the diversity of topics covered, ranging from theoretical mathematics to practical computational applications.
"Our goal is to reach as many people as possible by hosting the conference in different parts of the world. Abu Dhabi is an ideal location for this year's event," he said.
In addition to its focus on advancing mathematical research, the AIMS Conference is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of mathematicians.
"Our main goal is to encourage more young people to engage with mathematical research and its applications," said Hu.
Beyond the immediate academic discussions, both AIMS and NYUAD see the conference as an opportunity to build long-term relationships in the mathematical community.
Arsenio hopes that the event will help establish Abu Dhabi as a global academic hub.
"We want participants to leave this conference thinking of Abu Dhabi and NYUAD as their academic home away from home," he said.
The conference is expected to foster collaborations between researchers, leading to new innovations and the publication of fresh research papers.
"Many great ideas are born in these informal interactions - at lunch, during coffee breaks and through discussions outside the main sessions," added Arsenio.