Mathematical Sciences is located at the University of Waterloo in Toronto, Canada.
This is a center for mathematical research activity that offers, in their own words, “a
place where mathematicians from Canada and abroad, from business, industry and
financial institutions, can come together to carry out research and formulate prob-
lems of mutual interest.”
Another example is the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics (MPIM) in Bonn,
Germany, which is one of about 80 research facilities that are part of the Max Planck
Society—all internationally recognized for their basic research in the sciences, math-
ematics, and humanities. Mathematicians from all over the world visit the MPIM,
which offers visitors the ability to discuss mathematical problems or exchange ideas
with colleagues. For a long list of such mathematical institutions, visit
http://www.ams.org/mathweb/mi-inst.html.
What are some clubs and honorary organizationsfor students interested in math?
There are many student math organizations, including the following:
Mu Alpha Theta—This organization is sponsored by the MAA, the National Coun-
cil of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathemat-
ics. It is a mathematics club for high school and two-year college students who enjoy
mathematical problems, articles, and puzzles. Mu Alpha Theta publishes a journal,
The Mathematical Log,and holds regional and national meetings. Web address:
http://www.mualphatheta.org/.
Pi Mu Epsilon—This group is an Honorary National Mathematics Society. Its pur-
pose is the promotion of scholarly activities in mathematics among the students in
academic institutions, and it has more than 300 chapters at colleges and universities
throughout the United States. Web address: http://www.pme-math.org/. 445
MATHEMATICAL RESOURCES
When is Mathematics Awareness Month?
M
athematics Awareness Month occurs every April under the auspices of the
Joint Policy Board for Mathematics (JPBM). This organization is composed
of the Mathematical Association of America, the American Mathematical Society,
the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the American Statistical
Association. The observance originated via a proclamation in 1986 by President
Ronald Reagan for a Mathematics Week, and was expanded to a full month in- Originally, the week was celebrated nationally by such organizations as the
Smithsonian Institution. More recently, the activities are more local and region-
al, with emphasis on the importance, value, and even the beauty of mathematics.
To peruse the MAM’s special Web site, log on to http://www.mathaware.org.