Marcelo Viana talks about research in Latin America

Marcelo Viana, IMPA’s director and researcher, talks about the challenges and the opportunities of doing mathematical research in Latin America in an interview for the Springer Math Podcast. The host Robinson dos Santos, editor for mathematics, received IMPA’s director to talk about the institute’s role in the development of mathematical research in the region. The full episode is available at Springer Math Podcast’s website. 

In the interview, Viana reminisces about his past with IMPA’s mathematical community. He obtained his PhD at the institute, in 1990, six years after finishing his undergraduate studies at the University of Porto, Portugal. “I really enjoyed the freedom I had to dedicate my time to think about math and the interaction with visitors and students. I was definitely seduced by the institute”, recalls Viana. 

From that time to now, the director recognizes there was a big leap in society’s awareness and recognition of the institute’s role. “The institute has become, over the last few years, pretty much a household name, in part because we organize the Brazilian Math Olympics, with about 20 million kids each year. That’s one reason, of course not the only one, why people recognize the name and impact of IMPA. Artur Avila’s Fields medal also projected IMPA in terms of public recognition”, Viana said.  

The interview also approached the celebration of the 70s anniversary of the institute and it’s contribution for the development of mathematical research in Latin America. “One very concrete aspect is the training of students. About 50% of the students in IMPA’s PhD program come from abroad and, of course, the vast majority of them come from neighboring countries, from Latin America”, said Viana. “About 25% of our students get their masters and go back to their countries. We consider that a high value investment, because these people become ambassadors of Brazilian mathematics, and they tend to become leaders in their own communities”, he continues.

The  Springer Math Podcast is about mathematics and the people who develop it. The episodes combine recent developments and visions for the future of the field. The full interview with Marcelo Viana is available on their website.