Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

THE Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS), a Canadian mathematics research institute, is expanding its international presence in Shenzhen under a partnership agreement signed Monday at the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

Starting in 2027, the Shenzhen International Center for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SICIAM) will host a series of BIRS pilot workshops, bringing mathematicians from around the world to the city for collaborative research.

Prof. Malabika Pramanik, BIRS scientific director and vice president of the American Mathematical Society, signed the agreement with Prof. Wang Xiaoping, executive deputy director of SICIAM.

Pramanik, who arrived in Shenzhen before the signing, said the city combines technological growth with natural surroundings.

“It is stunning. On one hand, it is so scientifically and technologically vibrant with the high-rises and all the different companies flourishing here. At the same time, you see green hills and the river. So peaceful,” she said. “In a way it’s an emblem of China itself.”

Founded in 2003, BIRS builds mathematical research partnerships across five continents. Its workshops bring small groups of researchers together for several days to explore emerging topics and exchange ideas.

“Part of mathematics depends on individual thought, but there is another part which depends on intellectual exchange,” Pramanik said. Conversations over lunch or questions after a lecture, she said, can help researchers combine their expertise to tackle a problem.

The Shenzhen workshops will connect GBA researchers with BIRS’ global network. Topics will include foundational mathematics and industrial applications. Proposals will undergo independent peer review, Pramanik said.

Wang said SICIAM plans to hold four five-day pilot workshops in 2027, one each quarter. SICIAM researchers will help review proposals.

“World-class mathematicians will come to Shenzhen. We want young researchers to sit down and talk over scientific questions,” Wang said. “Young people have bold ideas, and deep conversations often spark unexpected intellectual breakthroughs.”

Established in 2021 and registered in 2022, SICIAM focuses on AI theory, core industrial software solvers and advanced scientific computing.

The partnership also aims to expand opportunities for early-career researchers across the Asia-Pacific region.

Three of the four 2026 Fields Medal winners previously took part in BIRS workshops, Pramanik said.

“We want young researchers in this region to disseminate their work on a globally distinguished forum, raise questions freely and leave with greater confidence,” Pramanik said. “It is about bringing the world to young researchers and showing the world that young researchers’ contributions are truly valued.”