In 2021, the Spanish Research Agency (AEI) recognised the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) with the prestigious “Unit of Excellence Maria de Maeztu” Award. This accolade celebrates CRM’s research programme have achieved competitive success and made a significant international impact.

The award comes with a €2 million grant over four years to support CRM’s strategic initiatives, highlighting its scientific prowess and its success in attracting leading talents.

This recognition marked the second occasion CRM was distinguished in this manner, following the award bestowed upon the Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), which CRM manages (2015).

Under the Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, CRM has laid out an ambitious strategic plan for 2022-2025. This plan is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration across various scientific domains. Its main objectives are to bridge fundamental and applied research, enhance international leadership, make the CRM more diverse and amplify the centre’s influence on public health, environmental sustainability, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Such initiatives position CRM as a leader in the application and advancement of mathematical research, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing contemporary global issues.

The CRM Maria de Maeztu Strategic Research Programme for 2022-2025 aims to:

• Connect CRM with diverse research areas, promoting cooperation and avoiding traditionally isolated groups.
• Create synergy between fundamental and applied research for innovative projects within mathematics.
• Advance interdisciplinary research with a focus on life, health and climate sciences, vital for tackling public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
• Lead the development of robust AI from mathematical sciences, opening new avenues for research and application.
• Address the gender gap by implementing recruitment strategies and enhancing the visibility of women in these fields.
• Expand CRM’s global network to reinforce its international leadership.
• Increase the center’s societal impact by fostering collaborations between academia and users of mathematical knowledge.

CRM provides essential support for mathematical research groups and the development of new research lines. The 2022-2025 reflects breakthrough scientific ambitions as well as the centre´s commitment to making a tangible difference in the world.

This approach not only highlights CRM’s dedication to excellence and innovation but also its role as a beacon of hope in tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges.