Imagine a world driven by numbers and systems. That’s the world the Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas or IIMAS helps to shape.
Welcome to the IIMAS. It is a research institute of the UNAM in Mexico City. It focuses on computer science, applied mathematics, robotics and control engineering.
Originally, it started as the Centro de Cálculo Electrónico in 1958. UNAM rector Nabor Carrillo Flores wanted a place to house the university’s first mainframe. The institute acquired its current name in 1973. It refocused from computing services to research. In the early nineties, IIMAS moved to its current home.
IIMAS stands for Applied Mathematics and Systems Research Institute. It plays a vital role in Mexico’s scientific community. The institute contributes to research and development. It also helps shape future generations of scientists and engineers.
Currently, IIMAS has about 60 researchers. They are supported by 40 technical staff. The current head is Héctor Benítez Pérez.
You’ll find the IIMAS in Ciudad Universitaria. It is near the Engineering School and the Science School. The IIMAS consists of two buildings. The second building was built later. It hosts the graduate programs and the new library.
The institute offers graduate programs in conjunction with other schools. These include the schools of science and engineering. Also the Earth Sciences Institute. Graduate students can focus on engineering or computer science. They can also focus on applied mathematics or Earth sciences.
Research at the IIMAS is divided among six departments. These are mathematics and mechanics and mathematical physics. Also mathematical modeling of social systems and probability and statistics. The other two are computer science and computer systems and automation engineering.
In its early days, IIMAS concentrated on new scientific areas. The results helped shape it as a research institute. It focuses on applied mathematics and systems. Since then, it has been active in teaching.
Over time, the institute has strengthened its work areas. This shows in its original scientific output. It also appears in human resource training, outreach, knowledge dissemination and cultural extension.
IIMAS contributions to the scientific community have stood out. This is due to their quality and the training of highly specialized personnel. These people hold positions in universities, government institutions and private companies.
Throughout its history, IIMAS has been known for forming networks of scientists. It has also been a key reference in discussions. Discussions about topics of national and international importance. This work defines our identity. It allows us to make scientific contributions to UNAM and the country.
Did you know that IIMAS has had many directors? Tomás Garza Hernández was director from 1976 to 1982. Alejandro Velasco Levy followed from 1982 to 1984. Others include José Luis Abreu León and Ignacio Méndez Ramírez. More recently, Héctor Benítez Pérez held the position. Since August 14, 2020, Dr. Ramsés Humberto Mena Chávez has led the institute.
The Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas continues to evolve. It is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. It also contributes to Mexico’s scientific and technological advancement. As we conclude our visit remember IIMAS. It is a place where numbers become solutions. It shapes the future.