Secretariat of the Internationl Mathematical Union

What if numbers could talk? What stories would they whisper about the Secretariat of the International Mathematical Union? This unassuming building on Markgrafenstraße in Berlin is the nerve center of the global mathematical community. The Secretariat of the International Mathematical Union is not just an office. It represents the culmination of decades of international collaboration, a testament to the universal language of mathematics. Founded in 1920, the IMU, and by extension, its Secretariat, aims to connect mathematicians worldwide. The Secretariat supports the quadrennial International Congress of Mathematicians. It’s a vital hub for the organization, facilitating communication and collaboration between mathematical societies from over 80 countries. The Secretariat of the International Mathematical Union also oversees prestigious awards like the Fields Medal, often called the Nobel Prize of mathematics. The IMU Abacus Medal, the Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize, the Chern Medal, and the Leelavati Award are also administered here, recognizing outstanding achievements in various mathematical fields. Interestingly, the IMU, despite its global reach, is legally recognized as a charitable organization in Germany. The Secretariat’s location in Berlin, chosen in 2010, underscores the city’s historical significance in mathematical research. Housed within the Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics, the Secretariat is surrounded by a vibrant community of mathematicians. This connection to the Weierstrass Institute, with its 120 scientists, provides a dynamic backdrop for the Secretariat’s administrative work. So, the next time you find yourself on Markgrafenstraße, take a moment to appreciate the Secretariat of the International Mathematical Union. It’s more than just an office. It’s a symbol of unity, a testament to the power of numbers, and a hub for the advancement of one of humanity’s oldest and most fundamental sciences.