Description
The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath, formerly known as MSRI) in Berkeley, California welcomes applications for our upcoming Spring 2027 scientific research programs. SLMath will offer a new short-term collaborative program model, open to visits of one to four weeks from interested researchers. AxIOM (Accelerating Innovation in Mathematics) are month-long, intensive research programs designed to accelerate innovation and introduce transformative ideas into the mathematical sciences. These focused programs are meant to create a dynamic environment for intensive collaboration, where researchers converge to push boundaries, explore bold ideas, and catalyze breakthroughs.
Three thematic AxIOM programs are available for membership applications (see full details below):
- Commutative Algebra, Representation Theory, and Other Interactions (January 25 - February 19, 2027)
- Machine Learning for Mathematics (March 1-26, 2027)
- Building the Mathematical Library of the Future (March 15 - April 9, 2027)
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Apply online: https://www.mathprograms.org/db/SLMath
Eligibility
- Researchers with a PhD (or equivalent) or advanced graduate standing at the time of the AxIOM program.
- Researchers must be in residence for at least one week, and preference may be given to those who can attend for longer periods.
Participant Support
- SLMath will provide local accommodation or reimburse participants for out-of-pocket lodging costs.
- SLMath is committed to maintaining family-friendly policies and, when possible, facilitating appropriate arrangements for partners and children of program members. Learn more about Childcare Grants for members with children ages 17 and under: https://www.slmath.org/family-services
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae
- Publication list
- Statement of purpose
- One letter of support
Additional questions about AxIOM programs can be directed to applications@slmath.org.
Spring 2027 Research Themes
Commutative Algebra, Representation Theory, and Other Interactions (January 25 - February 19, 2027)
Apply Online: https://www.mathprograms.org/db/programs/1887
Organizers: David Eisenbud (University of California, Berkeley), Srikanth Iyengar (University of Utah), Claudia Polini (University of Notre Dame), Bernd Ulrich (Purdue University)
This AxIOM seeks to build on the many interactions between commutative algebra, representation theory and other areas of mathematics. The focus will be new developments in these subjects, many inspired by the 2024 Commutative Algebra program. Some of the major themes to be covered are linkage theory, syzygies, and new interactions between commutative algebra and algebraic number theory.
Machine Learning for Mathematics (March 1-26, 2027)
Apply Online: https://www.mathprograms.org/db/programs/1901
Organizers: Mohammed Abouzaid (Stanford University), Otis Chodosh (Stanford University), Eric Ramos (Stevens Institute of Technology), Kyler Siegel (University of Southern California), Rachel Ward (University of Texas at Austin)
This AxIOM is designed to bridge the gap between mathematical research and machine learning. Inspired by recent breakthroughs the program will facilitate a collaboration between ML experts and mathematicians to tackle long-standing conjectures in Combinatorics and Algebra, Topology, Geometric Analysis, and Applied Mathematics. The program's structure emphasizes hands-on, cross-disciplinary problem solving through a mix of overview lectures and interactive working groups. This collaborative environment aims to produce a "road plan" for the future of ML-aided mathematics, ensuring that the latest techniques are accessible and reproducible across the broader mathematical community.
Building the Mathematical Library of the Future (March 15 - April 9, 2027)
Apply Online: https://www.mathprograms.org/db/programs/1902
Organizers: Kevin Buzzard (Imperial College, London), Jireh Loreaux (Southern Illinois University), Emily Riehl (Johns Hopkins University), Adam Topaz (University of Alberta)
A challenging aspect of computer formalization is formalizing definitions that are (i) mathematically correct (something that is not automatically verifiable and must be checked by human experts), (ii) optimized for usability and (iii) at the appropriate level of generality. This AxIOM will focus on formalizing definitions in Lean across a wide range of mathematical subject areas in the hope that it will be possible to correctly formalize the statements of recent theorems from the research literature. Such work is essential for making formal verification tools more relevant to mathematics researchers.
Important Note on Visa Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, your visa status may severely limit or even eliminate the possibility of SLMath providing reimbursement for your expenses, as well as restricting the length of time that you can visit SLMath. If you presently hold an H1-B visa at another institution or might hold one at the time of your visit to SLMath , please check H1-B visa instructions before proceeding with your application. Severe restrictions apply to H1-B visa holders.
For any immigration questions, please contact SLMath's International Advisor at int-advisor@slmath.org
About SLMath
The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), formerly MSRI, has been supported from its origins by the U.S. National Science Foundation, joined by other government agencies, 110 Academic Sponsor Institutions, private foundations and corporations, and generous and farsighted individuals.
Requirements
- Researchers with a PhD (or equivalent) or advanced graduate standing at the time of the AxIOM program.
- Researchers must be in residence at SLMath in Berkeley, California for at least one week, and preference may be given to those who can attend for longer periods.
