A new home for mathematics opens in Tromsø

The Lie–Størmer Center has officially opened at UiT in Tromsø, with plans to bring mathematicians from across Norway together for research and advanced teaching.

UiT rector Dag Rune Olsen welcomed guests to the ceremony at ILP Didaktikken on 17 January. Co-directors Cordian Riener and Hans Munthe-Kaas presented the center’s aims before science writer Simon Singh gave a public lecture.

A meeting place for researchers

Riener told UiT that the center would combine research into new mathematics with teaching and closer links between academic groups. Recruiting young people to the subject is a priority for both directors.

The center’s programme includes research schools and opportunities for mathematicians to work together in pairs. It is intended to serve the wider Norwegian mathematics community.

Tromsø welcomes the center

Deputy mayor Sigrid Bjørnhaug Hammer welcomed the opening on behalf of the city. In remarks reported by UiT, she said she looked forward to the discoveries the center would make possible.

From Fermat to The Simpsons

Singh’s lecture linked Fermat’s Last Theorem with mathematics in The Simpsons. Earlier in the day, NRK recorded Abels Tårn at the University Library.

Singh also emphasised the importance of challenging pupils who enjoy mathematics. UiT researcher Elisabeth Wetzer met the author whose writing had helped inspire her choice of subject.

The afternoon ended with cake and a celebration of the new center.

Sources: the opening programme and UiT’s report from the ceremony.