MITACS scoring big gains in bringing mathematics research to industry

The explosion in computing power and the accelerating pace of global competition is prompting an increasing number of Canadian firms to turn to mathematics research to gain competitive advantage. The upswing in interest of pure and applied mathematics research has had a profound impact on MITACS, short for Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems.

Of the 20 Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), MITACS ranks first in financial contributions from industry, attracting $1.6 million plus in-kind contributions in FY02-03. That’s up from $1.25 million in FY01-02 and $1.1 million in FY00-01.

By addressing mathematically focused, long-term research needs of industrial, commercial and health organizations, MITACS is helping to fuel an appetite for mathematical research that is largely absent in the Canadian private sector.

“Mathematics has a huge role in US industry and government but it’s not the same in Canada,” says Dr Arvind Gupta, MITACS’ scientific director. “It’s rare to find companies hiring research-level mathematicians. Most companies don’t know how mathematics can help them. We simulate the real world on computers.”

MITACS’ industrial partners run the gamut from high-tech (Ballard Power Systems Inc) and biomedical (Biomira Inc) to transportation (Air Canada, courier firms) and agriculture (McCain). Gupta says that while the applications may be diverse, they are bound by a common need for computing power and sophisticated modelling. MITACS brings together researchers from across the country, enabled by the CANARIE CA*net 4 backbone research network, regional nodes and various high-performance computing initiatives.

“Our teams are all national,” says Gupta. “There’s a revolution going on in the way people can communicate.”

CONFERENCE ATTRACTS COMPANIES AND STUDENTS

At its recent annual conference in Ottawa, more than 70 firms attended to learn more about leading-edge mathematics research focusing on security. The event also drew hundreds of university and high school students, which Gupta says is a critical part of the equation for ensuring the future vibrancy of mathematics research in Canada. A new graduate internship program is now in the pilot phase and could be expanded if Phase II funding for the Network is secured.

“Our professors want to connect with industry and connect students with industry but we need to create capacity to absorb those students,” he says. “People leave because of opportunity elsewhere. If we give them opportunity they’ll jump at it. Some companies are now hiring mathematics PhDs and this helps retain talent in Canada.”

The high degree of industrial support and enhanced training initiatives place MITACS in good stead as it ramps up to apply for its second phase of NCE funding. MITACS has received $25.3 million over its first seven years, which runs to March 31/05.

Gupta says network renewal is now his first priority and he will be working with the MITACS board to assess its strengths and weaknesses.

“We’ll bolster the program so we’re doing the right things. This is a good time to reflect,” he says. “The big emphasis is on the science. It has to be high quality. We’ll be developing new science with the companies that are our partners. That’s our strategic advantage.”

The decision on funding renewal is expected in the fall of 2004.

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