Research in Applied Mathematics

Research in Applied Mathematics has changed dramatically over the past thirty years, with revolutionary developments in traditional areas, together with the emergence of exciting new areas. For example, the areas of differential equations and fluid mechanics, which have a centuries-long history, have been revitalized by the advent of powerful desktop computers, allowing researchers to routinely address problems that were previously intractable. Indeed the need for efficient computer simulations has given rise to a new research area known as computational mathematics. In addition, fluid mechanics has begun to interact with biology, focusing on environmental questions.

Impetus for change has also been provided by discoveries in biology at the cellular and molecular levels. These discoveries have led to the emergence of new areas of research that apply established mathematical methods, such as control theory and dynamical systems, to fundamental problems in biology, such as systems biology, mathematical medicine, and computational neuroscience

Another important development has been the realization that quantum effects can influence the physical propagation of information and possibly provide the basis for a so-called quantum computer. This area of research is referred to as quantum information science. On the other hand, roads to the practical realization of a quantum computer rely on developments in nanotechnology, where understanding and designing atomic scale devices require a new set of skills, ranging from harnessing quantum phenomena to utilizing classical areas of physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Our department is actively involved in all of these developments.

Click on the sidebar for an overview and information about the different research areas, OR click here for Research Topic Listing.