07/05/2025

Roberto Imbuzeiro is named an IMS Fellow.

IMPA researcher Roberto Imbuzeiro Oliveira was appointed, this Monday (5), a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS) – an international organization that promotes the development and dissemination of the theory and applications of statistics and probability. In a statement, the IMS assessed the Brazilian as “a leading researcher in probability and mathematical statistics with a breadth of interests and knowledge rarely seen”.

In total, 24 researchers are included in the IMS 2025 fellows list. Imbuzeiro is the only Brazilian selected. Check out all the awardees here.

“I am happy, a little surprised, and even a bit embarrassed by the choice. The IMS Fellows list includes some of the most important names in Statistics and Probability worldwide. I am sure I am not at their level. On the other hand, I am pleased to know that, despite my limitations, I have done something that has earned praise from these figures. I thank PUC-Rio, IMPA, and NYU for my education and again IMPA for the excellent work environment,” said Imbuzeiro.

Founded in 1935, the IMS is an international organization with over 4,900 active members worldwide. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of statistics and probability. Nominees are selected by their peers through a rigorous evaluation process that considers the originality, depth, and impact of their research, as well as their institutional contributions.

The recognition of Roberto Imbuzeiro reinforces IMPA's prominent role in the international scientific landscape and celebrates the relevance of Brazilian research in statistics and probability.

Biography

Roberto Imbuzeiro Oliveira, a researcher at IMPA since 2006, holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from New York University (USA ) and was a postdoctoral researcher in the Physics of Information group at the IBM TJ Watson Research Center between 2004 and 2006. His research area is Probability and its connections with other subjects such as Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Optimization, and Quantum Information.

The researcher was also an associate member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences from 2012 to 2017. He coordinated the Planning and Projects Division and is the current Teaching Manager at IMPA. From 2017 to 2021, he was the deputy coordinator of the Mathematics/Probability and Statistics area at CAPES.

In addition to his academic contributions, Imbuzeiro has distinguished himself in science communication. He participated in the segment "É Muita Coincidência" on the program Fantástico , explaining seemingly improbable events from a probability perspective.

Currently, the researcher is also a member of the board of directors of the Brazilian Mathematical Society (SBM), contributing to the development of the mathematical community in Brazil.