The fellows of the 2023/2024 Young African Mathematicians (YAM) Fellowship Program, along with representatives from the YAM network in Berlin, Bonn, Heidelberg, and Münster, met on 17 June 2024 at the Excellence Cluster Mathematics Münster for their final meeting.
After a feedback session, everyone gathered for dinner at "Das Blaue Haus," a well-known student pub in Münster.

We are thrilled to announce that the German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved two Research Training Groups (RTG) with MATH+ scientists as group leaders: A new one in Algebraic Geometry with Gavril Farkas (HU Berlin) as co-spokesperson, and a second funding period for the International Research Training Group Berlin-Oxford on Stochastic Analysis, headed by Peter Bank (TU Berlin).


Gavril Farkas (left) © Kay Herschelmann | Peter Bank © Felix Noak

The new Research Training Group (RTG 2965) in algebraic geometry “From geometry to numbers: Moduli, Hodge theory, rational points”

The new RTG is jointly run by the Leibniz Universität Hannover and the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Stefan Schreieder from Hannover is the spokesperson of the RTG, and Gavril Farkas, Berlin Mathematical School’s co-chair and MATH+ Distinguished Fellow from the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, is the co-spokesperson. Apart from Gavril Farkas, the Humboldt-Universität is represented in the RTG with another four PIs, also all MATH+ members, namely Gaetan Borot, Bruno Klingler (also MATH+ Distinguished Fellow), Thomas Krämer, and Angela Ortega.

The PhD training in the RTG will run from 01 October 2024 until 30 September 2029, and the DFG will fund 20 PhD positions each for a duration of four years, distributed evenly between the two participating universities.

The guiding principle of the RTG is the interplay between geometry and numbers. A first manifestation of this idea is the fact that geometric objects can be assigned algebraic invariants and, in particular, numbers, which often play an important role in classification. Examples are given by Hodge numbers, by intersection numbers on moduli spaces, or by the number of rational points.

The research program rests on three main pillars for which the groups in Berlin and Hannover are world experts:
• Hodge theory and topology of algebraic varieties;
• Geometry and combinatorics of moduli;
• Arithmetic of moduli and rational points.

The International Research Training Group Berlin-Oxford (IRTG 2544) „Stochastic Analysis in Interaction“ enters its second stage of funding

The IRTG is jointly operated by Technische Universität Berlin and the University of Oxford, led by MATH+ member Peter Bank from Berlin and Terry Lyons from Oxford. The further funding means that the successful collaboration between Berlin and Oxford in this mathematical field over the past four and a half years will continue. In particular, it enables PhD students from Berlin and Oxford to visit each other’s institution for months at a time. This IRTG will receive over four million euros in funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for another four and a half years.

Since April 2020, the PhD students of the international graduate school "Stochastic Analysis in Interaction" have been investigating mathematical questions concerning random systems, as they appear in many models of biology, physics, or finance. "Our graduates from the first phase of funding have, for example, contributed to the mathematical foundations of a better understanding of Bose-Einstein condensation and have also developed numerical methods for dealing with very current models for fluctuations in financial markets," says Peter Bank, who heads the field of financial mathematics at TU Berlin. "But also, at least at first glance, purely mathematical contributions to the integration theory of rough paths have been made and have even been awarded with one of the doctoral prizes of the Excellence Cluster MATH+," he adds.

The second funding period will allow the current PhD students, as well as those of a third doctoral group, to complete an equally varied and in-depth training and research program. "We can now follow up on the 14 workshops, the more than 80 lectures given by invited researchers from all over the world, the mini-courses, and the Berlin-Oxford summer schools from the first funding phase with further highlights," says Peter Bank, adding: "And our PhD students will continue to gain international experience. They have already been a flagship of the Berlin research landscape, having held over 200 presentations internationally."
(Source IRTG: TU Berlin Press Release, in German)

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Research Training Groups (RTG), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
RTG are established by universities to support the development of early career researchers. The groups receive funding from the DFG for a maximum of nine years. Their primary focus lies on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research program and a structured training framework. Research Training Groups that embrace interdisciplinary collaboration are highly encouraged. The objective is to equip doctoral candidates with the skills to navigate the complexities of the science and academic job markets while fostering their early scientific independence.

We are delighted to announce that BMS PhD student Anastasija Pešić has been selected as GAMM Junior for her research on “Variational models for pattern formation in biomembranes.” GAMM Juniors are young researchers and members of the GAMM who have distinguished themselves with an excellent diploma, master’s, and/or PhD thesis in the fields of Applied Mathematics or Mechanics. Congratulations!

Anastasija Pešić’s research focuses on the Calculus of Variations, specifically in its application to biological membranes. She employs variational techniques, such as Gamma-convergence and scaling laws, to analyze minimizers of nonlocal, nonconvex functionals linked to the formation of lipid rafts in cellular membranes. Her work is driven by a genuine interest in applying analytical techniques to understand complexities within the biological context.

Regarding her acceptance into GAMM Juniors, she stated, “I am honored to have been selected as a new member of GAMM Juniors. This provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the voices of young (female) researchers in our community. Additionally, I am excited to join this interdisciplinary network, which provides a platform for exchanging knowledge between researchers in mathematics and mechanics. This enriches our collective understanding of these disciplines.”

Anastasija Pešić pursued her mathematics studies at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, and continued her studies in Germany as a member of the Berlin Mathematical School (BMS), the Graduate School of MATH+. She completed her M.Sc. at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in 2021 with the thesis on “Variational Analysis and Large Deviations Principle for Membrane Models.” In 2021, Anastasija was awarded the Hilda Geiringer Scholarship of the BMS, which aims to support promising female PhD students in mathematical research and recognize outstanding potential. At the DMV Student’s Conference in 2022, she also won the prize for the best conference talk. Currently, Anastasija Pešić is pursuing her Ph.D. at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin in the Department of Applied Analysis, supervised by MATH+ member Barbara Zwicknagl. Her research project is part of RTG DAEDALUS.

Each year, for a duration of three years, up to ten new GAMM Juniors are selected. During their time as GAMM Juniors, the GAMM membership fees are waived. After three years, the membership as GAMM Junior is terminated automatically. By this means, it is guaranteed that young researchers obtain additional financial and emotional support at the start of their academic research, that they transfer their knowledge to the next generations of GAMM Juniors, and that they pass the organization of the group onto them.

The Dirichlet Postdoctoral Program offers two-year positions aimed at early-stage postdoctoral researchers worldwide across all mathematical fields. MATH+ and the BMS support their development into independent researchers while helping them further qualify for their future careers and gain international visibility. The three new BMS Dirichlet Postdoctoral Fellows who have taken up their postdoc positions in Berlin are Fabian Lehman, Ioannis Papadopoulos, and Alexandra Wesolek.

The Dirichlet Postdoctoral Fellows pursue their research agendas and delve into their individual research interests. MATH+ and the BMS offer an extensive mathematical environment and access to the latest advancements in their respective fields. They will receive support in establishing a collaborative network, encompassing both national and international scientific contacts, and benefit from insights provided by research groups in related or diverse fields. Furthermore, the postdoctoral researchers will have abundant opportunities to acquire teaching, supervisory, and mentoring experience within the framework of the BMS and MATH+.

Fabian Lehmann @ HU Berlin:
Fabian Lehmann studied mathematics at the Universität Freiburg. He earned his PhD from University College London with a dissertation on “Families of complete non-compact Spin (7) holonomy manifolds” in 2020. In the past three years, he worked at the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics in Stony Brook, New York. His research interests are at the intersection of geometry and partial differential equations. An essential system of partial differential equations appearing in geometry is Einstein’s equations, which characterize spaces with a particularly interesting curvature. They also appear in the theory of general relativity. He studies these equations on octonionic spaces, which have dimension seven or eight and are modeled on the octonions, which form an eight-dimensional number system. This extra structure gives Einstein’s equations a simpler form. Even in this setting, finding solutions is challenging. Fabian hopes that his “research at the BMS can contribute to finding such spaces which look like a cone” and continues with regard to MATH+ and the BMS: “The BMS has been a very successful program so far, and I am honored to be part of it.”

Ioannis Papadopoulos @ WIAS:
Ioannis Papadopoulos studied mathematics at the Imperial College London (B.Sc.) and the University of Oxford (M.Sc.). He obtained his PhD from the University of Oxford with a thesis on “Computing multiple solutions of topology optimization problems” in 2021. From 2021 to 2023, he held a research associate (postdoc) position at Imperial College London. His main research area is numerical analysis and scientific computing. The research focuses on the interface between PDEs and numerical analysis: spectral and finite element methods for fractional and nonlinear PDEs, nonconvex optimization, preconditioners, and software. During his Dirichlet postdoctoral fellowship, Ioannis wants to explore nonconvex PDE-constrained optimization, sparse hp-finite element methods, and preconditioning techniques for nonlinear PDEs and (quasi) variational inequalities. In particular, he is interested in computing multiple solutions of highly nonlinear problems with sparse high order discretizations. About his upcoming years in Berlin as a Dirichlet postdoc, he said: “It brings me great joy to become a part of the esteemed MATH+/BMS community. I eagerly anticipate engaging in collaborations and embracing what Berlin has to offer.”

Alexandra Wesolek @ TU Berlin:
Alexandra Wesolek recently completed her PhD at the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver under the guidance of Bojan Mohar. Her primary research focus lies in topological graph theory. This subject is at the intersection of graph theory and topology/geometry. Throughout her graduate studies, Alexandra also went on research visits to France, where she worked on structural graph theory. Prior to joining the BMS, she pursued a 3-month postdoctoral position in Lyon, France, under the mentorship of Nicolas Bousquet and Théo Pierron. During her time at MATH+ and the BMS, she wants to work further on geometric and structural problems in graph theory. A problem she finds particularly engaging is the cops and robber game. In this game, cops try to catch one robber, while the cops and the robber move at the same speed. The game field can either be a graph or a surface. One is generally interested in the minimum number of cops that can catch the robber on the game field. Played on a graph, the game has many connections to structural graph theory since the structure of a graph determines the game. However, when played on surfaces, the game is influenced by the geometry of the surface. Regarding her forthcoming years at the BMS in Berlin, she commented: “Being at the BMS and working in the group of Stefan Felsner was my favorite destination for a postdoc, so I was very excited when I got the Dirichlet Postdoctoral Position. I am looking forward to being part of the BMS and to interacting with the students in the program and other postdocs. I am planning to teach a specialized BMS course in graph theory next year, which I am particularly looking forward to.”

This year's BMS Orientation Week – an introduction to the BMS program and Berlin for new students – took place from 06 to 12 October. We gladly welcomed 27 new BMS students who have started their studies in the winter semester 2023/24: 19 students in Phase I from 9 different countries and 8 in Phase II from 4 countries. The BMS currently has 235 students (Phase I + II).

     
Photos: © Kay Herschelmann / MATH+

On 10 October, we welcomed all new students for the BMS Orientation Day. The BMS Chair, Holger Reich, informed the Phase I students about all relevant aspects of the BMS PhD program, such as Basic and Advanced Courses, the Qualifying Exam, the MATH+ Friday Colloquia, and the BMS Mentoring program. Soft-Skills Seminars were introduced, and funding opportunities for conferences, summer schools, and German language courses explained. The MATH+ Managing Director, Nadja Wisniewski, and our Gender and Diversity Manager, Tanja Fagel, introduced the new Phase II students of the relevant details. The BMS Coordinator, Annika Preuß-Vermeulen, gave a talk on Mental Health and where to find help in case of need for Phase I students in the morning and for the junior researchers (incl. Postdocs and Junior Research Group leaders) in the afternoon.

The lunch break brought all newcomers and experienced BMS students and alumni together and gave everyone a chance to get to know each other and share tips in a relaxed atmosphere.

For the new Phase I students the day was concluded with presentations of the Basic Courses offered this semester, while the Phase II students and Postdocs heard a talk on Research Data Management by Tim Hasler, MATH+ Chief Data Officer. The Postdoc Orientation in the late afternoon started with a warm welcome by MATH+ Co-Chair, Martin Skutella, who together with the Postdoc Liaison Officer, Theo Roelofs, provided the new researchers with targeted information on opportunities and services at MATH+. This included such pressing topics as career development and its strategies, how to gain teaching experience, and the importance of becoming a mentor as well as finding a mentor for themselves. Funding opportunities and services at MATH+, service information about graduate services at FU, HU and TU and the BUA Postdoc Academy, and instructions on MATh+ publications were also explained. The orientation session ended with introducing the MATH+ Postdoc Representatives at MATH+ who participate in MATH+ Board and BMS Committee meetings.

The BMS Orientation week also encompassed many other helpful and also fun activities to prepare the students for studying and living in Germany and Berlin, like an Intercultural Training, a Master Regulations Meeting, and Campus Tours with the Student Representatives. A Walking Tour through Berlin and a food tour organized by the Student Representatives concluded the program.

We hope all groups took advantage of the valuable pieces of information and networking opportunity and had a great start at the BMS/MATH+. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the many BMS/MATH+ activities.

LINKS:

• BMS Orientation and Program
• PhD & Career at the BMS and MATH+
• MATH+ Postdoctoral Program
  

We are delighted to introduce Samantha Glory Guiate Simo and Wilson Tsuata as our first MATH+ YAM Fellows of the Young African Mathematicians (YAM) Fellowship Program for the academic year 2023/24. They just arrived and will stay in Berlin until 30 June 2024. As YAM fellows, they are also a part of the Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) for the duration of the YAM program. Congratulations, and welcome to the MATH+/BMS community! 

    
 Photos: © Beate Rogler / MATH+

Samantha Glory Guiate Simo received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, in 2020. She was also a master’s graduate in fundamental mathematics at this University. In June 2023, she completed the one-year master’s program at the African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) Cameroon. Her thesis focused on numerical analysis of stochastic differential equations. Commenting on the fellowship, Samantha said: “Participating in this program, YAM, and being part of the BMS is a great opportunity for me. I will have the chance to meet and work with important mathematicians who share the same interests as me. I do not doubt that these nine months spent in one of the German Clusters of Excellence, MATH+, will significantly enhance my skills, and I am very excited to begin.”

Samantha will work together with Ana Djurdjevac, Junior Professor of Numerical Analysis and Stochastic at Freie Universität Berlin (FU). Thus, she will be enrolled as a master’s student in mathematics at FU Berlin. Ana Djurdjevac on her new fellowship awardee: “I believe that YAM is a great program, and I am delighted to be part of it. Samantha and I already met during the Second Berlin-Leipzig Fluctuating Hydrodynamics workshop organized at FU, where she met some of the people from stochastic and numeric. I am enthusiastic about our upcoming discussions and work.”

In Berlin, Samantha will take classes for a few months at FU Berlin and then work on a research project in stochastics and numerics with her advisor, Ana Djurdjevac.

Wilson Tsuata studied mathematics at the University of Yaoundé I as well, where he obtained his master’s degree. He completed a structured master’s degree in fundamental science at AIMS Cameroon this year. Wilson developed a particular interest in algebra, especially representation theory and cryptography. About his fellowship, he said: “I am thrilled to be part of the MATH+ community as a YAM Fellow and to have the opportunity to immerse myself in Berlin’s vibrant mathematics community. The YAM Fellowship program is a crucial bridge for me to pursue my aspirations of securing a PhD position. I am confident that this program will provide me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and research experience to advance in my academic journey.”

Thomas Krämer, Junior Professor of Algebra and Number Theory at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (HU), will be his advisor while studying in Berlin. That means Wilson will also be enrolled as a master’s student in mathematics at HU Berlin. Regarding the new fellowship program, Thomas Krämer says: “The YAM Program is a great opportunity for everybody involved. Talented students from AIMS will gain a unique research experience in a German Excellence Cluster in mathematics, establishing new connections as they take the next steps in their careers. Likewise, the life at our departments will profit a lot from the diverse perspectives brought in by the YAM fellows.”

In Berlin, Wilson will closely collaborate with his advisor, Thomas Krämer. He wants to make significant contributions to the field of mathematics during his study stay in Berlin while establishing lasting connections with fellow mathematicians from diverse backgrounds.
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About the YAM Fellowship Program:
The Young African Mathematicians (YAM) Fellowship Program is a collaboration between five of the African Institutes for Mathematical Science (AIMS) and four German Clusters of Excellence: Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (Universität Bonn), Münster Mathematics (Universität Münster), STRUCTURES (Universität Heidelberg), and MATH+ (Berlin). The YAM program welcomes talented African students in mathematics to join one of the four clusters for nine months. They can take courses and seminars and gain experience in working on research projects.