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 strategic programs that have achieved competitive success and made a significant international impact.

Furthermore, CRM’s alliance with SOMMa underscores its leadership in groundbreaking research. The award comes with a €2 million grant over four years to support CRM’s strategic research 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 a similar honour bestowed upon the Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), which CRM manages, back in 2015.

Under the Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, CRM has laid out an ambitious strategic plan for 2021-2024. 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, reduce the gender disparity in STEM fields, 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 2021-2024 aims to:

• • • Merge diverse research disciplines, promoting cooperation among traditionally isolated groups.
    • Create synergy between fundamental and applied research for innovative interdisciplinary projects.
    • 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 integration of AI within the Mathematical Sciences, opening new avenues for research and application.
    • Address the gender gap in STEM 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. By detailing specific projects and their societal impact, such as contributions to public health policies or environmental conservation, CRM’s strategic plan not only showcases its scientific ambitions but also its 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.