The Industrial Mathematical and Statistical Modeling (IMSM) workshop, to take place July 16–24 at North Carolina State University, exposes graduate students in mathematics and statistics to real-world problems from industry and government. The corresponding problems are not the kind of academic exercises often considered in classrooms. The issues raised in these problems typically require fresh insight for both formulation and solution. Often, the biggest challenge is figuring out what the real question is. Students learn how to do this and how to get a usable result under a tight deadline.

By providing a unique experience of how mathematics and statistics are applied outside academia, the workshop has helped many students decide what kind of career they want. In some cases, this help has taken the form of direct hiring by the participating companies. By broadening the horizon beyond what is usually presented in graduate education, the workshop gives students interested in academic careers renewed excitement about their field.

Additionally, students gain experience in the team approach to problemsolving. During the workshop, they are divided into six-member teams. Each team is mentored by both the problem presenter and a faculty adviser. The team members work together to produce an oral presentation and written report of their results, which can lead to subsequent journal publications. Often, the teams come up with useful solutions to a company’s problem. Moreover, several projects initially presented at the workshop have resulted in long-term collaboration between students and faculty and the companies involved.

The workshop is sponsored by the Statistical and Applied Mathematical Science Institute, Center for Research in Scientific Computation, and the department of mathematics at North Carolina State University.

Local and travel expenses will be covered for students at U.S. institutions. The application deadline is April 15. Questions may be directed to imsm_12@ncsu.edu.