21/06/2022

IMPA 70 years: the path to the elite of mathematics

Coletiva de imprensa anuncia promoção do grupo de elite da IMU

One of the main milestones in the internationalization of IMPA and mathematics in Brazil is the country's evolution within the International Mathematical Union (IMU). Brazil joined the organization in 1954, two years after the IMU's re-establishment. Initially a member of Group 1, the lowest level among the members, the country progressed over the years until being promoted, in 2018, to Group 5, the elite group of world mathematics , which includes only 12 nations. And IMPA played a fundamental role in this evolution.

Currently, 87 countries are part of the IMU. Besides Brazil, Group 5 is made up of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Israel, Russia, Japan, China, and South Korea. During the 54 years it took to reach the top of the organization, Brazil had a remarkable growth trajectory. Portugal, for example, joined the Union in the same year as Brazil, but remains in Group 3 to this day.

This evolution was only possible due to a series of factors that ensured the rapid progress of mathematics in the country, even if belatedly. One of the decisive factors was the creation, in 1951, of CNPq and CAPES. The following year, the founding of IMPA was essential for the development of teaching and research in Brazil, which had already been carried out by the University of São Paulo (USP) and the University of Brazil (now UFRJ). The holding of the first Brazilian Mathematics Colloquium (CBM) by IMPA, in 1957, and the creation of the Brazilian Mathematical Society (SBM), in 1969, are also considered milestones in this process.

After joining the IMU, Brazil was promoted to Group 2 in 1978; to Group 3 in 1981; and to Group 4 in 2005. This path was paved by Jacob Palis, who was director of IMPA and served on the IMU board from 1991 to 2002, first as secretary and then as president, during a period of intense growth in the institute's prestige and recognition abroad. In 2006, already in Group 4, Brazil's scientific publications in mathematics represented 1.53% of the world's mathematical output, with 1,043 articles. A decade later, shortly before rising to the elite group, production reached 2.35% (2,076 papers).

The current director-general of IMPA, Marcelo Viana, participated in Brazil's application process for Group 4 and gathered experience for the opportune moment to request the country's promotion to the elite group. “In 2014, Artur (Avila) won the Fields Medal, we earned the right to host the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), so it was clear to me that 2018 was the right time. We would be hosting the congress, the general assembly would be taking place in Brazil, the Fields Medal – all of these were compelling arguments,” explained Viana.

The application letter, submitted to the International Mathematical Union by IMPA and SBM in 2017, highlighted important aspects of mathematics in Brazil. In addition to emphasizing the quality of teaching and research developed in the country, the document also addressed the process of popularizing mathematics in Brazil, international cooperation with leading institutes worldwide, the achievements and performance of students in mathematics olympiads, and the work of women in the field.

The change in a country's ranking is decided by the IMU following a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Information such as the number and quality of postgraduate programs and their territorial distribution, the total number of scientific publications in important journals, and prominent figures in the field are analyzed. Brazil's promotion to the first division of world mathematics, announced in 2018, was a consequence of Brazil's contribution to world mathematics and recognized the excellence of national research work.

"It's difficult to summarize in a few words why Brazil has become such an example of mathematical development. There were leaders of superior stature who guided this process – Jacob (Palis), certainly, Manfredo do Carmo, Maurício Peixoto – so that's one of the ingredients. There was also Brazilian investment in science. Every year there are budget cuts, but when you look over the decades, there has been a reasonably consistent investment in science. Furthermore, mathematics is a science that is very protected from controversy. Even those who deny science cannot deny mathematics, which has also protected us. And the unique role of IMPA in this process should not be disregarded. Even through our insistence on internationalization, on opening up to the outside world, we have greatly helped in this process," stated the Director-General of IMPA.