There is a dramatic national trend towards increased emphasis on multidisciplinary research in science and engineering in which mathematics and statistics plays a central role. The reason is that science and engineering research increasingly involves mathematical and statistical hurdles that require the active engagement of mathematicians and statisticians in order to achieve success. One sign of this trend is the large numbers of universities that are establishing significant interdisciplinary programs that involve mathematics and statistics. Another is that federal funding is shifting dramatically towards multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary projects that include a significant mathematical or statistical component. This is the research and funding landscape in which CSU will be competing in the future.
The Center for Interdisciplinary Mathematics and Statistics (CIMS) focuses on initializing and facilitating interdisciplinary projects that require new advances in mathematics and/or statistics as an inherent part of success. It provides support for faculty that strive to become lead investigators for interdisciplinary research involving mathematics and statistics. It also acts as a clearinghouse and advising source for faculty and administrators wishing to investigate possibilities in new interdisciplinary areas. CIMS does not support well-established projects or projects already supported by external funding.
The fundamental goal of CIMS activities is to provide faculty with the support needed to overcome the significant barriers associated with interdisciplinary research. These barriers include: