Fields Notes 18.1 | Page 3

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The beginning of 2018 has been an exciting time for the Fields Institute. In addition to our busy schedule of scientific and outreach activities, we are launching an ambitious new program: the Fields Centre for Quantitative Analysis and Modelling (Fields-CQAM). This research centre, made possible by a $4 million dollar investment from the Province, will position Ontario as the international leader in developing advanced mathematical methods for the emerging knowledge economy. Fields- CQAM will establish innovative partnerships between industry, government, and research scientists through startups and industry- academia laboratories, introducing highly qualified people and their innovations into Ontario’s economy. Our major thematic program on Emerging Challenges in Mathematical Biology developed new links between the mathematical and biological science communities. Participants pushed the frontier of mathematical biology by using mathematical models to understand environmental issues, computer-aided drug design and discovery, evolutionary relationships in complex pollination networks, and much more. The two-month focus program, Nanoscale Systems and Coupled Phenomena, brought forward perspectives from quantum physics, and revealed some fascinating connections with biology through the modelling of cellular systems. This summer and fall, we are engaging in a focus program on Poisson Geometry and Physics (June 1-July 31), the Fields-CQAM Undergraduate Summer Research Program (July 3-August 31), and the major thematic program on Teichmüller Theory and its Connections to Geometry, Topology and Dynamics (July 1-December 31). I would also like to introduce new members of our staff to the Fields community. Zainab Coovadia is the new communications officer. Brittany Camp, Jonathan Farrow, and June Rockwell have joined as program coordinators, and Alexandra Raposo is the new development and partnerships officer. The dedication and creativity of all our staff is essential to the future success of the Fields Institute. We are looking forward to this year’s Fields Medal Symposium (November 5-9) to honour the late Maryam Mirzakhani (Fields Medallist 2014) and to celebrate her mathematical achievements with a stellar scientific program. Professor Amie Wilkinson (University of Chicago) will present the Opening Public Lecture at 7:00 p.m. on November 5, and I hope that many of you will attend and spread the word about this exciting event. The Fields Institute continues to bring together researchers from Canada and around the world to create the mathematics that will shape our future. As always, the success of this enterprise depends on the generous funding provided by our partners and sponsors, and the enthusiastic support of our community. Ian Hambleton Director 3