Vancouver, BC — The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) and Mitacs, a national not-for-profit research and training organization, have partnered to see graduate and postdoctoral researchers solve challenges using mathematical sciences in collaboration with industry and not-for-profit organizations.
The partnership will provide companies in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan with access to top mathematical scientists in order to support the development of technologies and services in all sectors.
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to transfer their skills from theory to real-world application, while the companies gain competitive advantages by accessing high-quality research expertise.
Example projects include:
- Predicting consumer behavior using mathematical models and analysis of data from point-of-sale terminals in partnership with a retail analytics technology firm
- Quantifying the economic benefits of a widespread whooping cough vaccination program in partnership with a major vaccine producer
- Lowering costs and streamlining deliveries using combinatorics and mathematical optimization in partnership with a national transportation logistics company
The agreement fostered between PIMS and Mitacs, will be realized through Mitacs’ research internship program, which is dedicated to advancing innovation in Canada through university-industry partnerships. Interns and fellows will benefit from the opportunity to develop their professional skills and networks as they investigate solutions to research challenges.
Quotes:
Alejandro Adem, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, Mitacs
“Mitacs is proud to partner with PIMS to bring mathematical science research to industry and community challenges. These internships build upon Canada’s strong mathematical research community by helping them apply their knowledge to business challenges in ways that will develop innovation across all sectors.”
James Colliander, Director, Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences
“Increases in the speed of information and expansions in the interconnectivity of systems make mathematical sciences crucial to understanding what’s happening in society. Our collaboration with Mitacs will make it easier for businesses and other organizations in Canada to access and cultivate talent to address this complexity and solve problems.”
Quick facts about PIMS:
- PIMS is a consortium of ten research universities across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the state of Washington
- PIMS operates programs to advance discovery, understanding, and awareness of the mathematical sciences through investments in activities and infrastructure that promote researcher training and industrial problem solving
Quick facts about Mitacs:
- Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that has designed and delivered research and training programs in Canada for 16 years
- Working with 60 universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada
- Mitacs’ research internship program connects graduate students with industry and not-for-profit partners for collaborations supervised by faculty
- Open to all disciplines and all industry sectors, projects can span a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, business processes, IT, design, and more
Links:
###
Photo from left to right : James Colliander, Deputy Director and Director Designate, PIMS; Alejandro Adem, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, Mitacs; Michael Lamoureux, Innovation Coordinator, PIMS.
