From One Bold Idea to a Global Mathematical Community

30th PIMS Anniversary

Origin Story


In the mid-1990s, mathematician Nassif Ghoussoub saw an opportunity to transform the mathematical sciences in Western Canada. At the time, there were excellent researchers working at universities across British Columbia and Alberta, but they were spread across a vast geography and often operated independently. Ghoussoub and other early PIMS supporters believed that by connecting these institutions, Canada could build a stronger and more visible mathematical community—one that would foster collaboration, attract global talent, and create new opportunities for students and researchers.

That vision became the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences. Founded in 1996, PIMS began a consortium of five universities:

  • University of Alberta
  • University of Calgary
  • University of British Columbia
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of Victoria
     

Together, they created a new kind of research institute: not a single building, but a distributed network designed to connect people, ideas, and institutions across the Pacific region.
 

Early Momentum


PIMS moved quickly from vision to action. Within its first year, the institute launched:

  • the Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme,
  • the Frontiers of Mathematical Physics Workshop,
  • its first Thematic Programme,
  • and the Industrial Problem Solving Workshop.
     

These initiatives reflected the founding principles of PIMS: support outstanding researchers, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and connect mathematics with real-world challenges.

That same spirit helped catalyze the creation of Mitacs in 1997, a partnership involving PIMS, the Centre de recherches mathématiques (CRM), and the Fields Institute.
 

Building a National and International Network


In the years that followed, PIMS expanded both its reach and its impact.
Major milestones included:

  • launching the Distinguished Chair Programme,
  • establishing the Collaborative Research Groups programme,
  • helping create the Banff International Research Station (BIRS),
  • joining forces with the French CNRS and establishing the first International Research Laboratory (IRL) in Canada,
    and welcoming new member universities across Canada and the United States.


PIMS also broadened its mission through outreach, equity initiatives, industrial training programs such as Math to Power Industry (M2PI), and new research structures including PIMS Research Networks.
 

Thirty Years Later


What began as a bold idea and grew through the collective effort of mathematical scientists across western Canada, has become one of North America's leading mathematical institutes.

Over the past three decades, PIMS has:

  • supported more than 450 postdoctoral researchers,
  • fostered international collaborations,
  • connected mathematics with industry and society,
  • and helped build a vibrant mathematical community across Canada and beyond.

As PIMS celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, its founding vision remains as relevant as ever: mathematics flourishes when people and ideas are brought together.
 

As we celebrate 30 years, we invite you to share your own PIMS story—how PIMS has shaped your career, your research, or your community, and how you helped shape PIMS along the way.

Send your memories, photos, and reflections to communications@pims.math.ca and join us in celebrating 30 years of PIMS.