What does UMI mean in SOCIETIES

The International Mathematical Union (IMU) is an international non-governmental and non-profit scientific organization, with the purpose of promoting international cooperation in mathematics. It is a member of the International Science Council (ISC). The union’s mission is to further mathematical research and scholarship for the benefit of society.

IMU is open to all countries, institutions, or individual scientists involved in mathematics or its applications. Each Member Country of IMU elects a National Committee which decides who should be nominated to membership within that country. Any scientist who has made distinguished contributions to mathematics can become a Regular or Associate Member of IMU, while those who support the activities of IMU may be eligible for Honorary Membership.

IMU supports several initiatives that aim to strengthen global collaboration among mathematicians. These programs involve various activities such as organizing conferences and symposia on topics in advanced mathematical research; sponsoring travel grants for mathematicians from developing countries to attend scientific meetings; and providing recognition through awards and medals for contributions to mathematical science. The union also publishes its own journal, called “The International Mathematical Bulletin (IMB)”.

There are several prestigious awards issued by the International Mathematical Union, such as the Fields Medal, Nevanlinna Prize, Pólya Prize, Chern Medal, Rolf Nevanlinna Prize, and Gauss Prize. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in mathematics research by individuals under forty years old. Additionally, there are special prizes awarded to notable mathematicians at other stages in their careers or for furthering mathematics education worldwide.

To become a member of the International Mathematical Union one must first have distinguished contributions to math acknowledged by two regular members of the union and then be sponsored by a national committee from their respective country which will then nominate them for membership.

Yes it does! The union hosts symposia and conferences bringing together experts in different areas requiring mutual understanding between various branches of mathematics as well as adjacent disciplines such as physics, engineering sciences or computer science.

The International Mathematical Union publishes its own journal called “The International Mathematical Bulletin (IMB)” which contains peer-reviewed original research articles on subjects related to mathematics written by scientists around the world. In addition they also produce newsletters containing information about upcoming events as well as reports from past events.

Members meet every 3 - 4 years at international congresses which are organized jointly with the International Congresses of Mathematicians (ICM). ICMs co-occur with Regional Conferences every 4 years so that no region goes without an ICM during an 12 year period.