Mathematics in Latin America: Challenges and Perspectives. Marcelo Viana interviewed by Robinson dos Santos
Jun 3, 2022
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Marcelo Viana, researcher and director of IMPA in Rio de Janeiro, discusses challenges and opportunities for math research in Latin America. He highlights the role of IMPA, global cooperation, and the impact of mathematics in the real world. The podcast also touches on his personal reflections, motivation, humor, and advice for young mathematicians.
Marcelo Viana's journey showcases the blend of fate and choice in shaping a successful mathematics career.
IMPA serves as a regional hub for nurturing mathematical talent and fostering collaboration among Latin American nations.
Deep dives
Marcelo Villena's Journey to IMPA and His Global Impact
Marcelo Villena, a prominent researcher and director at IMPA, shared his unconventional path to mathematics, starting in Portugal and later joining IMPA for his PhD, which eventually led to a permanent stay in Brazil. His academic journey, marked by encounters with influential mathematicians like Jacob Palis, underlines the blend of fate and choice shaping his career. Villena's dedication to dynamical systems and chaos theory has earned him numerous accolades, reflecting his significant contributions to the field.
IMPA's Role in Training Global Mathematicians and Shaping Latin American Research
IMPA's impact extends beyond Brazil, nurturing mathematical talent from various Latin American nations. By training students, half of whom later return to their home countries, IMPA becomes a hub for regional collaboration and skill development. Villena highlights IMPA's significance as a beacon of possibility, inspiring neighboring countries like Chile and Argentina to cultivate high-level mathematical research infrastructures.
Bridging Mathematics with Practical Applications and Future Prospects
The evolution of mathematical applications in fields like data science heralds a new era where mathematics plays a pivotal role in real-world problem-solving. IMPA's efforts in collaborating with industries and startups exemplify a shift towards practical mathematics, enriching students' learning experiences and fostering interdisciplinary connections. Villena's vision for IMPA's future focuses on sustainability, societal engagement, and continuous influence on policy decisions through mathematical expertise.
In this month’s podcast, our guest is Marcelo Viana, researcher and director of the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, IMPA, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In this episode, we've invited him to talk about the challenges and the opportunities of doing research in mathematics in Latin America, the role of IMPA in the development of mathematical research in the region, and the perspectives of regional and global cooperation.
Marcelo Viana obtained his PhD at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, in 1990, six years after finishing his undergraduate studies at the University of Porto, Portugal. His main research interests are in Dynamical Systems and Theory of Chaos. He has received many prizes and distinctions, among them the Ramanujan Prize from the International Center for Theoretical Physics of Trieste, in 2005, and the Grand Prix Scientifique Louis D. from the Academy of Sciences of Paris, France, in 2016. He has supervised over forty PhD students and published over sixty papers and more than ten books. Viana is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin of the Brazilian Mathematical Society.
He will be hosted by Robinson dos Santos, Editor for Mathematics.
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