Chicago Mathematical Society

Chicago Mathematical Society. The Chicago Mathematical Society is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of mathematical research and education, primarily serving the mathematical community in the Midwestern United States. Founded in the late 19th century, it has played a significant role in fostering mathematical discourse through its meetings, publications, and support for early-career mathematicians. The society is closely affiliated with major academic institutions in the Chicago area, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

History

The society was established in 1890 by a group of mathematicians led by Eliakim Hastings Moore, a prominent figure at the University of Chicago. Its formation coincided with the rapid development of the University of Chicago under the leadership of William Rainey Harper and the growing reputation of the city as a center for higher learning. Early meetings were often held in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and featured presentations by notable mathematicians like Oskar Bolza and Heinrich Maschke. Throughout the early 20th century, the society provided a crucial forum for disseminating new ideas in fields such as analysis, algebra, and the emerging discipline of topology, influenced by figures like L. E. J. Brouwer. It maintained its activities through periods including the Great Depression and World War II, adapting to the changing landscape of American mathematics.

Activities and publications

A central activity is the publication of a research journal, which has undergone several name changes, most recently known as the *Journal of the Chicago Mathematical Society*. This publication features peer-reviewed articles across pure and applied mathematics. The society also organizes distinguished lecture series, often inviting renowned mathematicians such as Michael Atiyah or Karen Uhlenbeck to speak. It frequently collaborates with other organizations like the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America on joint projects and meetings. Educational outreach, including support for local Math Circles and activities for undergraduate students, forms another key part of its mission, strengthening ties with departments at institutions like the University of Illinois Chicago and Loyola University Chicago.

Meetings and conferences

The society holds regular meetings, typically hosted by member institutions such as DePaul University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, or University of Notre Dame. These gatherings feature contributed paper sessions, invited addresses, and opportunities for graduate student presentations. A major annual event is the Midwest Mathematics Conference, which attracts participants from across the region and includes special sessions organized in cooperation with the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. The society also sponsors smaller, focused workshops on topics ranging from number theory to mathematical biology, often held at the Argonne National Laboratory or the Fields Institute. These conferences serve as important networking venues for mathematicians from the Big Ten Conference universities and beyond.

Prizes and awards

To encourage mathematical excellence, the society administers several prestigious awards. The most prominent is a prize for the best doctoral dissertation defended at a member institution within the Midwestern United States, recognizing outstanding early-career research. Another award honors distinguished service to the mathematical community, sometimes presented to individuals involved with the National Science Foundation or the Simons Foundation. The society also occasionally bestows travel grants to support graduate student attendance at major international conferences like the International Congress of Mathematicians or meetings of the European Mathematical Society.

Governance and membership

Governance is conducted by an elected executive council, which includes a president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer, often drawn from faculty at the University of Chicago or Northwestern University. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in mathematics, including professionals, graduate students, and interested amateurs, with a significant portion hailing from academic departments across the Midwestern United States. The council works with committees to oversee publications, plan the annual Midwest Mathematics Conference, and manage collaborations with allied societies like the American Statistical Association. Financial operations and strategic planning are supported by dues and occasional grants from organizations such as the National Security Agency's mathematical sciences program.

Category:Mathematical societies Category:Organizations based in Chicago Category:1890 establishments in Illinois