Although PIMS has no permanent members, it includes more than 200 scientists in disciplines as diverse as pure and applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, the physical and life sciences, medicine, finance, management, and several engineering fields. About 20 UVic faculty members are active in PIMS, as well as five postdoctoral researchers and several graduate students. PIMS is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the B.C. and Alberta governments, and the partner universities. Every semester, the UVic chapter of PIMS hosts a math night at a local school. Table displays are set up and UVic experts are on hand to demonstrate to kids, parents and teachers the mathematical principles behind everyday devices and concepts.
Activities range from stick models of geometric figures to soap bubbles to mathematical puzzles.
The next math night takes place at Rogers Elementary School in Saanich on Thursday, Feb. 25, 7-9 p.m. In the past, they've tackled such stumpers as how to detect cracked eggs on a conveyer belt, and airline scheduling. The main value is the linkages made between researchers and industry.