The meaning of Mathematics
What’s in a name? OK, the title of this week’s post is deceptive. I don’t plan to debate whether mathematics is an art or science (or neither or both), nor will I consider the relative truth of the continuum hypothesis depending on which axioms of set theory you accept. Having returned from Greece, where modern mathematics partially originated…
The Naylor Report – what is it and why it matters
Science research in Canada While at a conference on graph searching in Crete this last week, I met Greek mathematicians and computer scientists who now live and work in places abroad. Their departure was owing in part to the economic crisis in 2010 in their home country. Compared to Greece, Canada is in a better place economically,…
Announcing the Emmy Noether Scholarship
Supporting our students I’ve had the privilege over the last four years to serve as Associate Dean, Students and Programs in Graduate Studies at Ryerson University. Working in a Dean’s office has parts that are both rewarding and challenging, and I will miss the students I have met from every discipline and background. I’ve also…
Breakthrough in Ramsey theory
Breakthrough! Progress in mathematics is often slow and difficult, and breakthroughs in even minor seeming problems can take years. Results in my field may require new tools, new inspiration, or new computational power to achieve. Sometimes it takes all of these to push the subject forward. Last week, it was announced in a paper posted on arXiv…