Global connections in mathematics: The Lie-Størmer Masterclass

Mathematics is a discipline that transcends borders, continually creating global connections through its universal language. Recognizing this potential, the Lie-Størmer Center at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway – has introduced a new educational initiative to add new international branches to its academic community. This semester, in collaboration with the French Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées (CIMPA), the Lie-Størmer Masterclass expanded its reach to include an international component.

The Lie-Størmer Masterclass has been established through funding of the Trond Mohn Foundation and the Tromsø Research foundation and successfully running for several years. Its innovative hybrid format offers students the chance to delve into research-level topics not typically covered in standard curricula. Weekly online lectures, supplemented by emailed teaching materials, set the foundation. However, the heart of the program lies in its in-person sessions, two in-person meeting where students and lecturers convene for three intensive days in Bergen and Tromsø. During these sessions, participants present group-prepared projects and engage in stimulating discussions—a model that excellently prepares students for future research endeavors.

New step for internationalizaton

Until recently, participants were exclusively from Norway's major universities—in Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Tromsø, and Trondheim. This year, however, the program embraced internationalization, enabling students from developing countries to join.

Persons standing in a line. — Young researchers with an international background participating in a master class in mathematics at UiT. Foto: Cordian Riener

"CIMPA and the Lie-Størmer Center are both part of the European Research Centers on Mathematics network (ERCOM), and Norway contributes financially to CIMPA's mission of advancing mathematics education in developing countries," explains Cordian Riener, co-director of the Lie-Størmer Center alongside Hans Munthe-Kaas. "Our collaboration felt like a natural next step", he says.

Building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year, CIMPA and the Lie-Størmer Center launched a joint fellowship programme, funded in part by an increased contribution from the Norwegian Department for Higher Education (KD). "We were very fortunate", explains Munthe-Kaas. "The Norwegian Department for Higher Education increased their contribution to CIMPA and in discussions with CIMPA we agreed on that this additional money should be used for our collaboration", he adds.

Scientifically, the lectures were outstanding

This funding allowed the Masterclass "Symmetries in Computations" to extend its reach, offering up to 10 international students the chance to participate annually in workshops and lectures. Fellows receive financial support to ensure reliable internet access for online sessions, and two selected participants are invited to Tromsø for an immersive, in-person experience.

Exceptional opportunity

This year, the first fellowship recipients were Ngwongwo Ignatius from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, and Yadav Rohit from the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu. Both spent a month at the Lie-Størmer Center, from mid-October to mid-November, participating in the Masterclass and engaging in research activities.

Person standing by a black board. — Dr. Ngwongwo Ignatius from Nigeria, at a math workshop at UiT. Foto: Cordian Riener / UiT.

"It was an exceptional opportunity," both fellows agreed. "Scientifically, the lectures were outstanding, and working closely with Professors Munthe-Kaas and Riener, as well as collaborating with local students, was invaluable," shared Ignatius.

Beyond academics, the fellows were warmly welcomed into the Lie-Størmer Center and introduced to new experiences, including pickleball—a memorable diversion that enriched their time in Norway.

Groundbreaking hub

Their visit also provided a cultural awakening. "The snow in Tromsø was like nothing I had ever seen," said Rohit. Ignatius added, "Each snowflake seemed to tell a story, transforming the landscape into an unforgettable winter wonderland."

The success of this inaugural international Masterclass has laid a strong foundation for future collaborations. "Next year, thanks to funding from the Indo-Norwegian Cooperation Programme in Higher Education, we will partner with the Indian National Center for Mathematics," Riener revealed. "This will not only bring more international students, including participants from several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), but also involve faculty from these institutions."

Lie-Størmer Center continues to elevate Tromsø’s profile on the global mathematical map, its mission is clear: to ensure that the city is celebrated not only for its breathtaking Northern Lights and Midnight Sun but also as a hub for groundbreaking mathematical research and education.

Kortnytt fra International Cooperation Section, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Bredesen, Kim kim.bredesen@uit.no Rådgiver