Carme Cascante, New Director of the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica

Carme Cascante Canut, a professor at the University of Barcelona, has been appointed director of the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM), becoming the first director from outside the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Her leadership comes as CRM celebrates 40 years as Spain’s oldest and internationally renowned mathematics research centre.

Bellaterra, September 3, 2024 – The Governing Board of the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) has appointed Professor Carme Cascante Canut as its new director, following a decision made on July 2. Cascante, a professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Barcelona (UB), succeeds Lluís Alsedà i Soler. Her appointment marks a significant moment for the CRM, as she becomes the first director from one of the recently affiliated universities, highlighting the centre’s commitment to fully integrating the University of Barcelona and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) into its research and governance structure.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the CRM is the oldest mathematics centre in Spain and a leading international reference for excellence in mathematical research. As part of the CERCA network of research centres in Catalonia, the CRM currently hosts 126 affiliated researchers and has received numerous accolades, including the Narcís Monturiol Medal for Scientific and Technological Merit and the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence Award, which it has earned twice.

Reflecting on the institution’s history, Cascante remarked, “The CRM has long been a key reference for mathematical research in Catalonia, fulfilling a dual role as both a high-level CERCA research centre and a service hub for the mathematical community. It has played a unifying role, acting as an umbrella for all mathematicians in Catalonia.” She further emphasized that the CRM is well-positioned to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary projects among the three universities on its Governing Council, thereby expanding the reach and impact of mathematical research both in Catalonia and internationally.

Looking ahead, Cascante acknowledged the immediate challenges, emphasizing the need to “consolidate the integration of researchers from UAB, UB, and UPC, fostering greater cohesion among affiliated researchers.” She also pointed out that “renewing the María de Maeztu seal next year and initiating the Centre’s Strategic Plan are crucial steps for CRM’s future.”

As she outlined her vision for the CRM, Cascante highlighted the centre’s commitment to innovation and visibility: “We aim to continue promoting the centre’s innovation and transfer initiatives, increasing CRM’s visibility, and solidifying its position as one of Europe’s leading institutions in mathematical research.”

Over Three Decades of Experience as a Researcher and University Professor

Professor Cascante brings a distinguished academic and research career to her new role. She has been a professor at UB since 1989 and has served as Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Director of the Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath). She earned her PhD at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) under the supervision of Joaquim Bruna, a former CRM director. Her research focuses on complex analysis, including Carleson measures, pointwise multipliers, and Hankel and Toeplitz operators.

Cascante also acknowledged the significance of her appointment as one of only a few female directors among the 42 CERCA centres. She noted, “Ideally, the appointment of a woman as director would no longer be newsworthy, as this would indicate true parity had been achieved. However, such appointments can still help break stereotypes and inspire young female researchers.”

With her leadership, the CRM is set to further advance its research capabilities, foster international collaboration, and promote opportunities for the next generation of mathematicians. “This is a new challenge I take on with great energy, and I look forward to collaborating with all CRM members to strengthen the centre’s position as a reference in mathematical research,” Cascante concluded.