70 years Mathematical Institute - growth, prosperity and (mathematical) challenges
Floreat et crescat. Flourish and grow. That was what was wished for the Mathematical Institute at its opening. Now, the institute proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary. Time to reflect on how it all began. And importantly, how is it doing now?
Monday, 17 January 1955. A former residential house at Vreewijkstraat 12 in Leiden takes centre stage in a remarkable moment. Because ‘...the first independent mathematics centre of Leiden University...’, as the Leidsch Dagblad wrote the following day, was opened there.
It started with a reading room
Until 1955, there was no mathematics institute in Leiden. From 1899, the university's mathematics department was housed in just one of the new rooms in the Academy Building on Nonnensteeg. Lectures were held there in the mornings. Professors worked from home and conducted examinations there too.
From 1913 onwards, mathematics students could also use the library for mathematics and physics, later known as the Bosscha Reading Room. This reading room was the first step towards the establishment of the institute 42 years later.
A growing institute
Already at the opening of the Mathematical Institute (MI) in the former residential house, people spoke of a temporary solution. Professor Johannes Droste (at that time the oldest mathematics full professor in Leiden) stated in his speech that the MI would ultimately need its own ‘... lecture halls, workspaces, libraries, a colloquium hall, a reading room, storage rooms, and staff rooms...’. He wished the institute floreat et crescat. That wish came true.
Dirk van der Hoeven, assistant professor Statistical Science, about his choice for mathematics
‘During my psychology studies, I enjoyed thinking about statistics so much that I decided to do my master's in it. After that, I wanted to learn even more. I then happily pursued a PhD and a postdoc. Afterward, it became clear to me that this is what I want to do for the rest of my career.’
Flourishing mathematics
While the MI was initially best known for its work in number theory and analysis, Leiden’s mathematical expertise developed further in the following decades. Applied mathematics and computer science were added, and professors in numerical mathematics, mathematical statistics, probability theory and mathematics of operations research joined the institute.
The MI began collaborating with other disciplines (such as physics, computer science, biology, medical sciences, ecology, and complex networks), as mathematics is the basis for many fields. Close ties were also established with national and international institutions, which still provide a strong foundation for joint research projects.
Robin de Jong, associate professor Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory, about the beauty of mathematics
‘I find the honesty and clarity of mathematics appealing. Moreover, mathematics is solid as a rock and provides great certainty in existence. Bas Edixhoven (Leiden professor of mathematics, 1962-2022) often said: 'In mathematics, past results do indeed provide a guarantee for the future’.’
Leiden’s mathematicians secured impressive grants, including Veni, Vidi, Vici, and Rubicon awards, as well as Gravitation, TOP, ERC and KWF funding, along with two Spinoza Prizes. This enabled the institute to hire more postdocs and PhD candidates and to further expand its research. And let’s not forget the (IBM) SPSS project, which gave a significant boost to the institute’s statistics research.
Education kept up the pace. With a bachelor’s programme and two master’s programmes, the MI trains mathematicians of the future. The institute also provides mathematical education for other degree programmes at the university and offers the opportunity to pursue various double bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, the ALGANT consortium—which has been offering a two-year master’s programme in algebra, number theory and geometry for twenty years and of which the MI is one of the founding members—certainly deserves a mention here.
Francesca Arici, assistant professor Analysis and Dynamical systems, about inclusion
‘While there has been much progress in increasing the representation of women in mathematics, we must also challenge the outdated notion of a binary gender divide—male vs. female—that has traditionally governed the way we think about participation in STEM fields. This binary framework excludes a spectrum of gender identities and experiences, which we should actively work to acknowledge and embrace.’
Challenges at all times
Through 70 years of growth and prosperity, the MI has become a prominent mathematical institute. Naturally, the institute faced challenges beyond mathematics, such as budget cuts, leadership disagreements and increasing bureaucracy. With a passion for mathematics, dedication to excellence and the pursuit of top-quality research, the MI overcame these challenges.
The next 70 years
And what does the future hold for the institute? The upcoming national budget cuts will also affect the MI. However, the grants received within the institute in 2024 give every confidence for the future. Professors, researchers, students and support staff will face the future together. Since its founding in 1955, they have ensured that the institute plays a central role in the national and international mathematical landscape. And together, they will continue to do so for the next 70 years!
Mathematics in practice
The institute's fundamental research forms the foundation for future breakthroughs. Over the years, the MI has made significant contributions to various areas of mathematics, including geometry, algebra, number theory, operations research, dynamical systems, analysis, statistics and probability theory.
Rajat Hazra, associate professor Probability Theory, about mathematics in practice
‘It’s important to recognise that while our research doesn’t aim to directly “solve” societal issues, it provides the essential tools, frameworks, and understanding upon which solutions can be built in the future.’
Four examples of mathematics in practice:
- Pharmacology - Together with the LACDR, Vivi Rottschäfer develops models that describe the dynamics of medicines in the brain and central nervous system. The aim is to, among other things, be able to make better predictions of how medicines work.
- Medical sciences - With the research project PACT-ES, Marta Fiocco and Marta Spreafico assess the effects of adjustments in chemotherapy for patients with Ewing sarcoma, in order to ultimately predict the effect of a certain dose on the treatment and side effects.
- Operations research - Together with PostNL, Michel Mandjes develops methods to determine the optimal locations for depots, taking into account the fluctuating volume of letters and packages that are sent on a daily basis.
- Cryptography - Léo Ducas develops and analyses cryptosystems that would remain secure even against a quantum computers, two of which have now been standardised for imminent global deployment (internet, credit cards, etc).
Fun facts and figures
- In the founding year, there were three professors of mathematics. As of 2025, twenty professors are affiliated with the institute.
- The MI received various grants in 2024, among which are a KIEM grant, two Erasmus+ projects, KWF and NWO grants, ERC Advanced and Consolidator grants and two Vidi’s.
- Two current MI employees were born on a very fitting day: π-day (14 March)!
Join the anniversary celebration
In the coming year, several activities will be organised in honour of our 70th birthday. Keep an eye on the website of the MI for more information.