About the Centre de recherches mathématiques

The Centre de recherches mathématiques (CRM) is one of the most internationally recognized research institutes in the field of mathematics. Founded in 1968 at the Université de Montréal, it places scientific excellence at the heart of its mission. The CRM brings together the mathematical forces of Quebec and several Canadian universities, while directing programs that mobilize researchers from around the world. Its unique dual structure allows for both competitive and international scientific programming and the development of research and training activities within thirteen laboratories that bring together the majority of Quebec’s mathematicians.

The centre has more than 250 regular members, mainly professors from Quebec universities, and welcomes more than 80 postdoctoral fellows and a large number of visiting researchers each year. Its thematic programs, summer schools, and other scientific meetings attract more than 2,000 participants annually.

The activities of the CRM and its 13 laboratories play a decisive role in training the next generation of researchers. As a privileged venue for high-level scientific exchanges, the centre contributes significantly to the advancement of international collaborations in mathematical sciences.

Activities and programs

The CRM’s scientific activities are based on two main components: research projects conducted by its teams and thematic activities organized at the national and international levels.

The centre supports the next generation of researchers through several postdoctoral fellowship programs developed with local partners, such as the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, as well as international partners such as the Simons Foundation. To promote the advancement of mathematical knowledge and learning, the CRM also offers numerous outreach activities open to the general public, in addition to targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening numeracy.

The CRM places equity and diversity at the heart of its actions, integrating these values into all of its programs and organizing dedicated activities.

Funding and institutional collaborators

The institute has strong partnerships with the other Canadian institutes (AARMS, Fields, PIMS, CANSSI), and with many international centres, such as the CNRS, through an International Research Laboratory, with SLMath, as well as with FIM-Zürich, CRM-Barcelone, CIRM and others.

The CRM is primarily funded by the NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada), the FRQ (Fonds de recherche du Québec), the Simons Foundation, the Quebec Ministry of Finance.

The centre also receives essential support from its host institution, the University of Montreal, as well as its partner universities: Concordia University, Université Laval, McGill University, Université du Québec à Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke. In addition, several endowment funds have been established thanks to the generosity of André Aisenstadt, Robert Langlands, Serge Bissonnette, and Jacques Courtois. The CRM would also like to acknowledge the generosity of several other donors who have contributed to these endowment funds.

The CRM also maintains strong partnerships with other Canadian institutes (AARMS, Fields, PIMS, CANSSI) and collaborates with numerous international centres, including the CNRS (through an international research laboratory), SLMath, FIM-Zürich, CRM-Barcelona, CIRM, and others.

Maurice L’Abbé
1968 – 1969

Jacques Saint-Pierre
1969 – 1971

Gert Sabidussi
1971

Lucien Le Cam
1971 – 1973

Anatole Joffe
1973 – 1982

David Sankoff
1982 – 1984

Francis Clarke
1984 – 1993

Luc Vinet
1993 – 1999

Jacques Hurtubise
1999 – 2003

Christian Léger
2003 – 2004

François Bergeron
2004

François Lalonde
2004 – 2008

Anne Bourlioux
2008

Christiane Rousseau
2008 – 2009

Peter Russell
2009 – 2011

François Lalonde
2011 – 2013

Luc Vinet
2013 – 2021

Octav Cornea
2021 – 2025

Franco Saliola
2025 ~