Introduction
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) is an international non-governmental and nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to promoting international cooperation in mathematics and supporting the development of mathematical sciences worldwide.
Founded in 1920 and formally re-established in 1951, the IMU brings together countries through their national academies, mathematical societies, research councils and other designated mathematical organizations. As of 2026, the IMU reports 84 members worldwide.
The organization supports mathematical research, education, international collaboration, conferences, awards, research visits and capacity-building activities, with particular attention to strengthening mathematics in developing and economically disadvantaged countries.
Major areas of IMU activity include:
- International cooperation in mathematics.
- Mathematical research and education.
- International scientific conferences.
- International Congress of Mathematicians.
- Mathematics funding in developing countries.
- Research travel grants.
- Graduate fellowships.
- Mathematics education.
- Support for women in mathematics.
- Mathematical publishing and communication.
- International mathematical awards and prizes.
The IMU is also responsible for supporting the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), one of the world’s most important gatherings of mathematicians.
For more information, visit the official International Mathematical Union website.
History and Background
The origins of the International Mathematical Union can be traced to efforts after the First World War to strengthen international scientific cooperation.
The first steps toward establishing the IMU were taken in 1919 in Brussels during the Constitutive Assembly of the International Research Council.
The International Mathematical Union was formally founded on 20 September 1920 during the International Congress of Mathematicians in Strasbourg, France.
The organization’s early years were affected by difficult international political circumstances.
By the early 1930s, the original IMU had effectively ceased operating and was formally dissolved during that period.
Efforts to rebuild international scientific cooperation accelerated after the Second World War.
Important milestones included:
- 1949: A policy committee decided to organize a conference to establish a new mathematical union.
- 1950: A Union Conference was held in New York to develop new statutes and bylaws.
- 1951: The required number of countries joined, bringing the re-established International Mathematical Union formally into existence.
- 1952: The first General Assembly of the re-established IMU was held in Rome.
The first ten members of the renewed Union included:
- Austria.
- Denmark.
- France.
- Germany.
- Great Britain.
- Greece.
- Italy.
- Japan.
- Netherlands.
- Norway.
Australia, Canada, Finland, Peru and the United States also joined during 1951.
Since then, the IMU has evolved into a worldwide organization connecting national mathematical communities across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
Mission and Purpose
The International Mathematical Union’s fundamental purpose is to promote the development of mathematics through international scientific cooperation.
Its official objectives are to:
- Promote international cooperation in mathematics.
- Support and assist the International Congress of Mathematicians and other international scientific meetings and conferences.
- Encourage and support international mathematical activities that contribute to the development of mathematics in pure, applied and educational contexts.
The IMU therefore works across both advanced mathematical research and broader capacity-building activities.
Its mission encompasses:
- Pure mathematics.
- Applied mathematics.
- Mathematics education.
- International scientific collaboration.
- Research mobility.
- Graduate education.
- Mathematical communication.
- Research capacity building.
- Diversity and inclusion in mathematics.
An important component of the IMU’s work is ensuring that mathematicians in countries with fewer resources can participate more fully in the global research community.
International Scientific Cooperation
International collaboration is central to the IMU’s work.
The organization connects mathematical communities through:
- International congresses.
- Conferences.
- Research visits.
- Fellowships.
- Academic partnerships.
- Visiting lecturer programs.
- Scientific commissions.
- Mathematical societies.
- Collaborative research networks.
The IMU also encourages countries with developing mathematical communities to join its international network.
Its structure allows mathematicians from different regions to cooperate on research, education and institutional development.
Governance and Structure
The International Mathematical Union is governed through a combination of its General Assembly, Executive Committee, member countries, commissions and committees.
The General Assembly is the principal governing body of the organization.
It normally meets every four years before the International Congress of Mathematicians.
Responsibilities of the General Assembly include:
- Electing IMU officers.
- Electing members of the Executive Committee.
- Establishing commissions.
- Approving budgets.
- Considering membership matters.
- Amending statutes and bylaws.
- Determining major strategic priorities.
- Considering proposals from member countries.
The 20th IMU General Assembly was held in New York City on 20–21 July 2026.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee manages the affairs of the International Mathematical Union between General Assemblies.
The committee includes positions such as:
- President.
- Secretary General.
- Vice Presidents.
- Members-at-Large.
- Previous President in relevant governance arrangements.
For the 2023–2026 term, mathematician Hiraku Nakajima of Japan serves as IMU President.
The Executive Committee oversees areas including:
- International mathematical activities.
- Congress planning.
- Scientific programs.
- Membership matters.
- Commissions.
- International partnerships.
- Funding priorities.
- Strategic development.
IMU Membership
The International Mathematical Union does not have individual members.
Instead, its members are countries.
Each member country participates through an Adhering Organization.
An Adhering Organization may be:
- A national academy.
- A mathematical society.
- A research council.
- A scientific institution.
- An association of institutions.
- An appropriate government agency.
Each member country also establishes a Committee for Mathematics to act as a liaison between the national mathematical community and the IMU.
Membership Groups
Regular IMU members are placed into one of five membership groups.
These range from:
- Group I.
- Group II.
- Group III.
- Group IV.
- Group V.
The classification determines factors such as:
- Voting strength in the General Assembly.
- Membership contributions.
Countries in higher membership groups contribute higher membership dues and receive correspondingly more votes.
Associate Members
The IMU also offers Associate Membership.
This category is designed primarily for countries where mathematical research activity is still developing.
Associate Membership helps countries:
- Build international research connections.
- Participate in IMU activities.
- Strengthen national mathematical institutions.
- Connect with mathematicians worldwide.
- Develop toward full IMU membership.
Associate Members may participate in the General Assembly but do not have voting rights.
Affiliate Members
Multinational mathematical societies can become Affiliate Members of the IMU.
Current affiliate organizations include:
- African Mathematical Union.
- European Mathematical Society.
- Mathematical Council of the Americas.
- Southeast Asian Mathematical Society.
- Unión Matemática de América Latina y el Caribe.
Affiliate Membership encourages cooperation between the IMU and regional mathematical organizations.
Funding and Grants
The International Mathematical Union provides and coordinates several funding opportunities, particularly through its Commission for Developing Countries (CDC).
These funding programs seek to strengthen mathematical research and education in developing and economically disadvantaged countries.
Support is available for:
- Graduate students.
- PhD candidates.
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- Established mathematicians.
- Universities.
- Research institutions.
- Conference organizers.
- Visiting lecturers.
- Mathematical capacity-building projects.
The IMU also works with partner organizations and philanthropic funders to finance selected programs.
How IMU Activities Are Funded
IMU’s financial resources come from multiple sources.
These include:
- Membership dues from participating countries.
- External grants.
- Scientific partnerships.
- Philanthropic foundations.
- Mathematical organizations.
- Program-specific donors.
Membership dues have historically provided an important foundation for the organization’s activities.
Specific development programs also receive external support.
For example, the IMU has received substantial support from the Simons Foundation for research travel programs benefiting mathematicians in developing countries.
Other programs have received support from organizations including:
- Niels Henrik Abel Board.
- American Mathematical Society.
- Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
- International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
- Partner universities and scientific institutions.
Commission for Developing Countries
The Commission for Developing Countries (CDC) manages IMU initiatives supporting mathematics in developing and economically disadvantaged countries.
The Commission’s mission includes:
- Managing IMU development programs.
- Strengthening mathematics in developing countries.
- Promoting research collaboration.
- Seeking funding for mathematical development.
- Establishing partnerships with scientific organizations.
- Supporting researchers and institutions.
- Strengthening graduate education.
- Building international research networks.
The CDC began operating in its current form in 2011 after the IMU combined earlier development programs into a single commission.
IMU activities supporting developing countries, however, date back much further, with organized efforts beginning in the early 1970s.
Major Grants and Funding Opportunities
The Commission for Developing Countries administers or supports multiple grant programs.
Major funding opportunities include:
- Conference Support Program.
- IMU-Simons Research Fellowship Program.
- Abel Visiting Scholar Program.
- IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program.
- Graduate Research Assistantships in Developing Countries.
- Volunteer Lecturer Program.
- Project Support for Mathematics.
- International Congress of Mathematicians Travel Grants.
Each program addresses a different challenge affecting mathematical research and education.
Conference Support Program
The Conference Support Program provides funding for mathematical conferences and scientific meetings organized in developing countries.
The program seeks to strengthen local mathematical communities by enabling researchers to:
- Organize international conferences.
- Invite specialist mathematicians.
- Develop research networks.
- Expose students to current mathematical research.
- Create new research collaborations.
Conference funding can help institutions with limited resources connect their researchers with the global mathematics community.
IMU-Simons Research Fellowship Program
The IMU-Simons Research Fellowship Program for Developing Countries supports research visits by mathematicians based in developing countries.
The program allows researchers to visit international mathematical collaborators and institutions.
Research visits can help recipients:
- Work directly with research collaborators.
- Access specialist expertise.
- Use research facilities and libraries.
- Develop scientific publications.
- Join international research networks.
- Begin new collaborative projects.
The Simons Foundation has supported IMU research travel initiatives since 2013.
Abel Visiting Scholar Program
The Abel Visiting Scholar Program supports mathematicians and eligible researchers from developing countries who need to visit an international research collaborator.
The program helps strengthen research capacity by providing opportunities for focused scientific collaboration.
Support may facilitate:
- Research visits.
- Collaboration.
- Access to specialized expertise.
- Completion of mathematical research.
- Development of publications.
- International networking.
The program is connected to support from the mathematical community associated with the Abel Prize.
IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program supports talented students from developing countries pursuing graduate education in mathematics.
The program was established with funding associated with winners of the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics who donated portions of their prize money to support mathematical education.
The fellowship is intended to help exceptional students continue their mathematical studies in developing countries.
Support can contribute toward expenses connected with graduate education.
The program seeks to develop future:
- Researchers.
- University lecturers.
- Professors.
- Mathematical leaders.
- Scientific mentors.
Graduate Research Assistantships in Developing Countries
The Graduate Research Assistantships in Developing Countries (GRAID) Program supports graduate students studying mathematics in developing countries.
The program seeks to strengthen mathematical research groups by enabling talented students to pursue advanced study while remaining connected to institutions in their countries or regions.
GRAID funding contributes to:
- Graduate research.
- Research training.
- Institutional capacity.
- Development of future mathematicians.
Volunteer Lecturer Program
The Volunteer Lecturer Program (VLP) was established in 2008.
It provides financial assistance to universities in developing countries that wish to host an international mathematician for an intensive teaching course.
The program is particularly useful where a university lacks local expertise in a particular mathematical field.
Courses can serve:
- Undergraduate students.
- Master’s students.
- PhD students.
- Researchers.
- University staff.
A course normally includes at least 20 hours of teaching and training.
The program can support expenses associated with the lecturer’s participation, particularly international travel and related costs.
The Volunteer Lecturer Program is supported in part by the Niels Henrik Abel Board and the American Mathematical Society.
Library Assistance Scheme
The Library Assistance Scheme helps mathematical libraries in developing countries obtain books and other mathematical materials.
It connects donors of mathematical literature with universities and research institutions where access to specialist publications may be limited.
Limited financial assistance can also help cover shipping costs.
The initiative contributes to mathematical capacity building by improving access to:
- Mathematics books.
- Research literature.
- Academic reference materials.
- Educational resources.
International Congress of Mathematicians
The International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) is one of the most significant activities supported by the IMU.
The congress is generally held once every four years and brings together leading mathematicians from around the world.
The first International Congress of Mathematicians was held in Zurich in 1897, before the establishment of the IMU.
Today, the IMU considers organization and support of the ICM one of its most important responsibilities.
The congress covers virtually every major area of mathematics.
Its program includes:
- Plenary lectures.
- Invited lectures.
- Specialized mathematical sessions.
- Research discussions.
- Awards.
- Networking.
- International scientific collaboration.
ICM 2026
The International Congress of Mathematicians 2026 took place in Philadelphia, United States, from 23–30 July 2026.
The event followed the 20th IMU General Assembly held in New York City on 20–21 July.
ICM 2026 brought together mathematicians from around the world to present research, discuss emerging areas of mathematics and recognize major achievements in the discipline.
IMU Awards and Prizes
The International Mathematical Union administers or participates in some of the world’s most prestigious mathematical awards.
Major prizes presented in connection with the International Congress of Mathematicians include:
- Fields Medal.
- IMU Abacus Medal.
- Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize.
- Chern Medal Award.
- Leelavati Prize.
The ICM also includes the Emmy Noether Lecture, recognizing contributions connected with women in mathematics.
Fields Medal
The Fields Medal is one of the world’s best-known mathematical distinctions.
It was first awarded in 1936.
The medal recognizes outstanding mathematical achievement and the promise of future accomplishment.
It is presented every four years at the International Congress of Mathematicians.
Up to four Fields Medals may be awarded at each Congress.
Eligibility is subject to an age requirement established in the Fields Medal statutes.
IMU Abacus Medal
The IMU Abacus Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the mathematical aspects of information science.
It was first awarded under its current name in 2022.
The award replaced the former Rolf Nevanlinna Prize.
Relevant areas may include mathematical foundations connected with:
- Computer science.
- Algorithms.
- Information theory.
- Mathematical computation.
- Theoretical computing.
Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize
The Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize recognizes outstanding mathematical contributions that have produced significant applications outside mathematics.
First awarded in 2006, the prize highlights the practical influence mathematical research can have on science, technology and society.
Chern Medal Award
The Chern Medal Award recognizes exceptional lifetime achievement in mathematics.
It was first awarded in 2010 and is named after mathematician Shiing-Shen Chern.
For ICM 2026, the award carries a total monetary value of US$500,000.
Half is awarded to the medalist, while the other half supports mathematical research, education or outreach organizations nominated by the recipient.
Leelavati Prize
The Leelavati Prize, sponsored by Infosys, recognizes outstanding contributions to increasing public awareness and appreciation of mathematics.
It emphasizes mathematical outreach and communication rather than research alone.
The prize recognizes individuals who help make mathematics accessible to broader audiences.
International Commission on Mathematical Instruction
The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) is a major commission of the IMU.
ICMI focuses on mathematical education at all levels.
Originally founded in 1908, it has operated as a commission of the IMU since 1952.
Its work includes:
- Mathematics education research.
- Teacher development.
- International conferences.
- Educational studies.
- Curriculum discussions.
- International collaboration.
ICMI helps connect mathematics researchers, educators and policymakers worldwide.
Committee for Women in Mathematics
The Committee for Women in Mathematics (CWM) works to improve the visibility, participation and representation of women in mathematics.
Its activities include:
- Supporting women mathematicians.
- Promoting international networks.
- Encouraging gender equity.
- Supporting mathematical events.
- Increasing visibility of women researchers.
- Addressing barriers to participation.
The committee works with mathematical organizations and communities across different regions.
Committee on Publishing
The Committee on Publishing advises the IMU on issues involving mathematical information, communication and scholarly publishing.
Its areas of interest include:
- Research publishing.
- Digital mathematical infrastructure.
- Information access.
- Publishing standards.
- Communication technology.
- Best practices in mathematical publishing.
The committee helps the IMU respond to changes affecting how mathematical research is created, communicated and preserved.
International Commission on the History of Mathematics
The International Commission on the History of Mathematics promotes international cooperation in studying the history of mathematics.
Its activities include:
- Supporting conferences.
- Promoting historical research.
- Encouraging international collaboration.
- Recognizing outstanding scholarship.
It also participates in awards including the Kenneth O. May Medal and Montucla Prize.
Impact and Examples of Work Supported
The impact of the International Mathematical Union extends far beyond its major congresses and prizes.
Its programs help strengthen mathematical communities by supporting:
- Research mobility.
- Graduate education.
- International collaboration.
- Scientific conferences.
- Research institutions.
- University teaching.
- Mathematics libraries.
- Women mathematicians.
- Mathematics education.
- Researchers in developing countries.
The IMU’s global structure enables countries with highly developed research systems and countries building their mathematical capacity to participate within the same international scientific network.
Supporting Researchers in Developing Countries
One of the clearest examples of IMU impact is its support for mathematicians in developing countries.
A researcher who receives an IMU-supported research fellowship may gain access to an international collaborator and research resources unavailable at their home institution.
After returning home, the researcher may:
- Publish new research.
- Establish collaborations.
- Train students.
- Develop a research group.
- Introduce new mathematical fields.
- Organize conferences.
- Mentor future mathematicians.
This creates a multiplier effect beyond an individual grant recipient.
Strengthening Universities Through Visiting Lecturers
The Volunteer Lecturer Program creates a similar institutional impact.
An international lecturer may teach a mathematical subject not currently available at the host university.
This can benefit:
- Students.
- Faculty members.
- PhD candidates.
- Research groups.
The collaboration can also continue after the lecturer leaves, creating longer-term academic partnerships between institutions.
Supporting Graduate Students
Programs such as the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship and GRAID help talented students continue advanced mathematical study despite limited financial resources.
Graduate support is particularly important because developing a strong mathematical research community requires a pipeline of:
- Students.
- PhD researchers.
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- Lecturers.
- Professors.
- Research leaders.
By helping students remain engaged in mathematics, IMU programs contribute to the long-term development of mathematical institutions.
Global Influence of the International Congress of Mathematicians
The International Congress of Mathematicians has played a major role in shaping modern mathematical research.
At each ICM, prominent mathematicians present important advances across mathematical disciplines.
These presentations help identify:
- Emerging research directions.
- Important mathematical problems.
- New theories.
- Connections between fields.
- Potential applications.
The awards presented during the Congress also provide international recognition for exceptional mathematical achievements.
Why the International Mathematical Union Matters
The International Mathematical Union occupies a unique position in global science.
Unlike a conventional foundation, the IMU combines:
- International scientific governance.
- Research promotion.
- Mathematical awards.
- Conference organization.
- Education.
- Development grants.
- Global scientific cooperation.
Its work is particularly important because mathematics forms a foundation for many other disciplines, including:
- Physics.
- Computer science.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Engineering.
- Economics.
- Statistics.
- Data science.
- Climate science.
- Medicine.
- Finance.
Strengthening mathematical research can therefore contribute to innovation well beyond mathematics itself.
Who Can Benefit from IMU Programs?
Eligibility depends on the specific program.
Potential beneficiaries include:
- Graduate mathematics students.
- PhD candidates.
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- University mathematicians.
- Researchers.
- Mathematics departments.
- Universities.
- Research institutions.
- Conference organizers.
- Mathematical societies.
Many CDC programs specifically target mathematicians and institutions based in developing countries.
Some programs require applicants to hold a PhD, while others are designed specifically for graduate students or host institutions.
Applicants should always review the current eligibility and deadline information for the relevant program.
How to Find IMU Funding Opportunities
Current funding opportunities are published through the IMU and its Commission for Developing Countries.
Applicants can review opportunities covering:
- Research visits.
- Graduate fellowships.
- Conferences.
- Visiting lecturers.
- Institutional support.
- Mathematical projects.
- ICM travel.
The IMU Commission for Developing Countries provides detailed information about available grants, eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Applications for several programs are managed through the IMU’s dedicated grant system.
Conclusion
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) is one of the world’s most important organizations for international mathematical cooperation.
Founded in 1920 and formally re-established in 1951, the IMU promotes mathematical research, education and collaboration across more than 80 member countries.
Its work encompasses the International Congress of Mathematicians, Fields Medal, IMU Abacus Medal, Gauss Prize, Chern Medal, mathematical education, support for women mathematicians and capacity building in developing countries.
Through the Commission for Developing Countries, the IMU also provides targeted funding for research visits, graduate education, mathematical conferences, visiting lecturers and institutional development.
Programs such as the IMU-Simons Research Fellowship, IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship, Graduate Research Assistantships in Developing Countries and Volunteer Lecturer Program help mathematicians overcome financial and geographic barriers to participating in international research.
By combining international scientific governance with targeted research and education support, the IMU contributes to stronger mathematical institutions, better research networks and wider participation in mathematics worldwide.
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