Scientific vision and dialogue: the SAB meets at CRM to advise on future directions

Every year, the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) opens its doors to the members of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), a group of internationally renowned researchers tasked with a crucial mission: to assess the scientific health of the centre, offer strategic guidance, and help shape its future. The most recent meeting, held on July 9th and 10th, 2025, was an opportunity for the SAB to assess ongoing programmes, and engage directly with the next generation of researchers building their careers at CRM.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the poster session led by young CRM researchers.

The Scientific Advisory Board plays a central role in the life of the centre. Beyond assessing reports and evaluating researchers, its members serve as a sounding board for the institution’s major strategic decisions. Their independent perspective, grounded in long-standing academic experience, provides a vital counterpoint to the internal management of the centre. This year, the SAB was invited to contribute to the development of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and reflect on CRM’s positioning within an increasingly interdisciplinary research ecosystem.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the poster session led by young CRM researchers. Held during the second day, this informal gathering brought together PhD researchers and postdoctoral fellows from diverse areas, ranging from dynamical systems and geometry to mathematical modelling and neuroscience, to present their work directly to the SAB members. The exchange was lively and constructive, with Board members offering not only feedback on the projects but also broader career advice and encouragement.

This kind of interaction captures the spirit of the CRM: a research centre where scientific excellence is nurtured through dialogue, collaboration, and mentorship. The SAB’s contribution ensures that the centre remains firmly rooted in mathematical research while evolving in step with the challenges of the scientific world.

As CRM enters the end of the Maria de Maeztu project, the support and insight of the Scientific Advisory Board will continue to be an essential part of its journey.

Current members of the CRM Scientific Advisory Board:

• Nicolas Brunel, Duke University

• Afonso Bandeira, ETH Zürich

• Kathryn Hess, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

• Victoria Gould, University of York

• Ari Laptev, Imperial College London (Chair)

• Philippe Michel, EPFL

• Alessandra Micheletti, Università degli Studi di Milano

• Mikhail Sodin, Tel Aviv University

• Susanna Terracini, Università di Torino

• Katrin Wendland, Trinity College Dublin