MSRI / SLMath - Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute

Reminder: Research Professor applications (visits of 3+ months) are due Oct. 1, 2026 via MathPrograms for SLMath's Fall 2027 research programs. Research Members (visits of 30+ days) and Postdoctoral Fellows (semester-long visits) are due Nov. 1st. Link in comments.

Beginning August 1, SLMath invites membership applications for our Fall 2027 research programs in "Algebraic Combinatorics" and "New Trends in Tropical Geometry". The programs will take place August 16 through December 17, 2027.

Applications are processed via MathJobs for the following positions:
- Research Professors - visits of 3+ months (Oct. 1, 2026 deadline)
- Research Members - visits of 30+ days (Nov. 1, 2026 deadline)
- Postdoctoral Fellows - visits for the full program length (Nov. 1, 2026 deadline)

Learn more about the program themes, organizers, eligibility, and the application process: https://www.slmath.org/apply

Applications for SLMath's PROOF summer research for teams opportunity are requested by the priority deadline of October 16, 2026. Groups of 2-5 mathematicians (with PhDs or advanced graduate standing) with partial progress on an established project are invited to apply for funded visits of 2 weeks to SLMath in Berkeley, California in June-July 2027. At least 60% of group members must be in the mathematical or statistical sciences, and at least 60% must be U.S.-based. All members must be in residence for the full 2-week visit. Apply via MathPrograms - link in comments.

Beginning August 1, SLMath invites membership applications for our Fall 2027 research programs in "Algebraic Combinatorics" and "New Trends in Tropical Geometry". The programs will take place August 16 through December 17, 2027.

Applications are processed via MathJobs for the following positions:
- Research Professors - visits of 3+ months (Oct. 1, 2026 deadline)
- Research Members - visits of 30+ days (Nov. 1, 2026 deadline)
- Postdoctoral Fellows - visits for the full program length (Nov. 1, 2026 deadline)

Learn more about the program themes, organizers, eligibility, and the application process: https://www.slmath.org/apply

Congratulations to all prize recipients at today's International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) events in Philadelphia. The International Mathematical Union announced the recipients of the 2026 Fields Medals as well as the Abacus Medal, Chern Medal, Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize, and Leelavati Prize. SLMath Trustees Dr. Marilyn Simons, Dr. Dan Freed, and Dr. May Chu are among those pictured awarding the 2026 Chern Medal, founded by Dr. Chu in honor of MSRI / SLMath co-founder Dr. Shiing-Shen Chern, her father.

SLMath welcomes Dr. Juan C. Meza as the new Deputy Director of SLMath. A Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of California, Merced, Dr. Meza has previously served as Division Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Division of Mathematical Sciences (2018-2022) and as Dean of the School of Natural Sciences at UC Merced (2011-2017), as well as Associate Director of SLMath in 2024-25.

SLMath is hiring a Finance and Operations Manager in Berkeley, CA:

Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) Independent non-profit mathematical sciences research institute founded in 1982 in Berkeley, CA, home of collaborative research programs and public outreach.

Recent PhDs, graduate and undergraduate students are invited to join the Modern Math Workshop at the 2026 SACNAS National Conference in Long Beach, CA on October 29th. Register: https://www.slmath.org/workshops/1132. ** You must register by July 3rd to apply for funding including lodging (double occupancy) and conference fee reimbursement. Travel funds may be available.

The workshop begins at noon on 10/29 with a "Conversations with the Scientists" lunch. Representatives from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) mathematics institutes will attend. Following lunch there will be two mini-courses aimed at undergraduates (Mathematical Programming and Reasoning in Lean: Dr. Jeremy Avigad, Machine Learning for Mathematics: Dr. Blake Jackson), and research sessions aimed at graduate students and recent PhDs. A reception will be held in the evening, open to all participants.

David Lance Goines' final print design was made in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), now SLMath – visitors can see it on display in our building.

“It almost felt like he had dropped in from another century.” 🫶
— Alice Waters, Chez Panisse founder

Graphic artist and printmaker David Lance Goines was born on this day in 1945.

Goines attended UC Berkeley, pursuing a degree in classics before he was expelled for his involvement in the Free Speech Movement, which swept across the campus in 1964.

In 1965, he started apprenticing at the Berkeley Free Press, in North Berkeley. A few years later, he bought the print shop, turning it into Saint Hieronymus Press.

Across his career, he captured the bold and bohemian spirit of Berkeley in two dimensions. Among his iconic works are posters for Cody’s Books, The North Face, and Chez Panisse.

Hannah Hoffman, Goines’ niece, summarized her uncle’s priorities succinctly: “Be kind. Work hard. Create something beautiful.”

Goines died in Berkeley in 2023 at age 77. His legacy lives on at UC Berkeley.

The Bancroft Library recently acquired his archive. The collection comprises nearly 5,000 objects formerly housed at his studio — from posters to printing blocks, correspondence to childhood drawings.

Learn more about the archive, which shines light on the life, work, and vision of a local legend. 🔍
🔗 ucberk.li/goines
_____

📸: Karen Frances Berkeley Engineering
🎨: The Bancroft Library’s Weininger collection of Goines posters and memorabilia, BANC MSS 2001/148 2003.145--C

Thank you to the Guru Krupa Foundation for generously supporting 2025-26 Mathical Collection Development Awards for 40 U.S. Title I school libraries serving low-income communities.

This year’s Mathical Collection Development Awards were a welcome gift to Title I school librarians who earned the grants—and who otherwise didn’t have the budget to buy new books. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04hXFtH0