During the past fifteen years, Virginia Tech has developed outstanding research and educational programs in a variety of interdisciplinary fields. In addition to the basic sciences, several engineering disciplines rely heavily on rather sophisticated mathematical techniques.
Applied mathematics plays a central role in all of modern science and advanced technology.
The symbiotic relationship between mathematics and its areas of application is ever growing as more areas of engineering and science become dependent on new mathematical tools and mathematically trained scientists. Applied mathematics is therefore becoming the underpinning of the revolutionary changes taking place in all scientific, engineering and technological fields. These areas are vital to the new industries that will dominate the twenty-first century. A major goal of ICAM is the enhancement of the historical links among mathematics, engineering and the sciences. Since its inception, considerable progress has been made toward the establishment of a faculty group within ICAM to secure international prominence.