Notices of the American Mathematical Society

Notices of the American Mathematical Society. It is the flagship news and commentary magazine of the American Mathematical Society (AMS), providing a vital forum for the global mathematical community. First published in 1953, it features expository articles, news, opinion pieces, and comprehensive coverage of developments within the discipline. The publication is renowned for its accessibility, aiming to communicate significant ideas and issues to a broad audience of research mathematicians, educators, and students.

History and publication details

The magazine was established in 1953, evolving from earlier communications of the American Mathematical Society. Its creation was part of a broader effort by the society to improve communication among its growing membership following World War II. Initially published less frequently, it transitioned to a monthly schedule and now appears ten times annually. Key figures in its development have included notable mathematicians and editors such as Hugo Rossi and Robert Bryant, who helped shape its editorial direction. The publication has consistently adapted to technological changes, offering a full digital edition alongside its print version, with archives accessible through platforms like JSTOR and MathSciNet.

Content and scope

The content spans a wide array of topics central to contemporary mathematics and its community. A core component is the publication of accessible, peer-reviewed expository articles on cutting-edge research from fields like algebraic geometry, number theory, topology, and mathematical physics. Regular features include reports on National Science Foundation funding, debates on educational policy such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative, and obituaries for influential figures like John Forbes Nash Jr. and Maryam Mirzakhani. The magazine also covers historical surveys, conference announcements, prize announcements for awards like the Fields Medal and Abel Prize, and commentary on issues of diversity and inclusion within the profession.

Editorial process and impact

The editorial process is overseen by an editor-in-chief, a position long held by Allyn Jackson, and supported by an editorial board composed of distinguished mathematicians from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, and Institute for Advanced Study. Articles, particularly the feature expositions, undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure clarity and accuracy. Its impact is significant, as it serves as a primary digest for mathematicians to stay informed about trends beyond their immediate specialization. The publication is widely cited in both academic and public discourse, influencing policy discussions and pedagogical approaches. It is indexed in major services including Zentralblatt MATH and Scopus.

Special issues and notable articles

The magazine frequently publishes special themed issues focusing on pivotal areas or events. Notable examples include dedicated issues on the resolution of the Poincaré conjecture by Grigori Perelman, the mathematics of climate modeling, and the legacy of Alan Turing. It has featured landmark expository articles by leading mathematicians such as Michael Atiyah on gauge theory, Persi Diaconis on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and Terence Tao on compressed sensing. These issues and articles often become essential reference points, translating complex breakthroughs from publications like Annals of Mathematics into broader intellectual currency for the community.

Relationship to the AMS and other publications

As a core publication of the American Mathematical Society, it operates in tandem with the society's other major research journals, such as the Journal of the American Mathematical Society and Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, which focus on original research. It complements the Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society, which also carries surveys but with a more technical emphasis. The magazine is integral to the AMS's mission, directly supporting its activities by reporting on AMS Council decisions, Joint Mathematics Meetings, and advocacy efforts with bodies like the United States Congress. This relationship distinguishes it from other mathematical news sources like the London Mathematical Society's newsletter or the independent Mathematical Intelligencer.

Category:American Mathematical Society Category:Mathematics journals Category:Publications established in 1953