American Mathematical Society

American Mathematical Society
Name	American Mathematical Society
Founded	0 1888
Headquarters	Providence, Rhode Island
Key people	Ruth Charney (President)
Website	https://www.ams.org

American Mathematical Society. The American Mathematical Society is a professional association dedicated to the interests of mathematical research and scholarship. Founded in the late 19th century, it supports the advancement of mathematics through its publications, meetings, advocacy, and extensive member services. With headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, and an office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it serves mathematicians in the United States and internationally, fostering collaboration and communication across the discipline.

History

The society traces its origins to 1888 when it was founded as the New York Mathematical Society by Thomas Fiske and colleagues at Columbia University. Inspired by the model of the London Mathematical Society, it aimed to create a national forum for scholarly exchange. In 1894, it was renamed to reflect its growing national scope, with early influential figures including Felix Klein and George William Hill. A pivotal moment was its merger with the Chicago Mathematical Society in 1896, significantly expanding its membership base. Throughout the 20th century, it played a key role during events like World War II, supporting mathematical work for national defense, and later during the Space Race, promoting mathematical research. The establishment of its permanent headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, in the 1950s, marked its institutional maturation.

Publications

It maintains one of the most extensive publication programs in mathematics. Its flagship research journal is the Journal of the American Mathematical Society, alongside other prominent titles like the Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society and the Transactions of the American Mathematical Society. The society also publishes the influential review journal Mathematical Reviews and its online database, MathSciNet, which are indispensable resources for the global mathematical community. Notable book series include the Colloquium Publications and the Graduate Studies in Mathematics series. It also produces the Notices of the American Mathematical Society, a magazine featuring articles, news, and commentary on the profession.

Meetings and conferences

It organizes numerous major gatherings to facilitate research dissemination. The largest is the annual Joint Mathematics Meeting, held in collaboration with the Mathematical Association of America. Other significant specialized meetings include the Eastern, Central, and Western Sectional Meetings, which are held throughout the year. The society also sponsors or co-sponsors important international conferences, such as the International Congress of Mathematicians, and hosts the annual AMS von Neumann Lecture. These events provide critical venues for presenting work, awarded lectures like those by John von Neumann, and fostering collaborations across institutions like the Institute for Advanced Study and University of California, Berkeley.

Prizes and awards

The society administers many of the field's most prestigious awards to recognize outstanding contributions. The highest honor is the Leroy P. Steele Prize, awarded for lifetime achievement, seminal research, or expository writing. Other major research awards include the Bôcher Memorial Prize, the Cole Prize in algebra and number theory, and the Veblen Prize in geometry. It also awards the Frank Nelson Cole Prize and the Levi L. Conant Prize for expository writing. Early-career achievements are recognized through the Centennial Fellowship and the Ruth Lyttle Satter Prize. These awards often celebrate work presented at venues like the International Mathematical Union's congresses.

Governance and membership

Governance is vested in an elected Council and an executive committee, with the current president being Ruth Charney. Membership is open to individuals worldwide, with categories including ordinary, student, and institutional members. Key decisions are made at annual business meetings, often held during the Joint Mathematics Meeting. The society collaborates closely with other major organizations such as the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and the American Statistical Association. Its operations are supported by committees focused on areas like publications, meetings, and professional ethics.

Advocacy and outreach

The society actively promotes mathematics to policymakers, the public, and educational institutions. It engages in advocacy for federal research funding through agencies like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. Outreach programs include initiatives like the AMS Einstein Lecture Series, public lectures, and support for Math Olympiad competitions. It also focuses on increasing diversity in the mathematical sciences through programs targeting groups underrepresented in fields championed by figures like David Blackwell. Collaborations with the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and testimony before bodies like the United States Congress are part of its efforts to secure the future of the discipline.

Category:Mathematical societies Category:Scientific organizations based in the United States