Institute of Mathematics and Informatics

The Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IMI-BAS) is a leading national research center in the field of mathematical sciences, informatics and information technologies.

The date 27 October 1947 is rightly considered the birth date of IMI when the Governing Council (GC) of BAS decided to create three mathematical commissions, in the plan for the scientific activity in 1947-1948: for demographic studies, for mathematical studies of the representative method in statistics and for financial mathematical research of state bonds and external bonds guaranteed by the state. This is how the idea of ​​creating the Natural-Mathematical Branch of the Academy for the development of scientific research institutes in different scientific fields – which had been discussed by GC of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences already in 1945 – began its realization.

IMI has results and applied developments at world level, expressed in publications in authoritative printed editions and presented at a number of international and national scientific forums. IMI collaborators publish about 400 scientific articles annually, out of which more than 200 in reputable journals and collections of papers from international conferences.

Owing to its high professionalism, IMI is integrated into the world scientific community and enjoys a deserved repute. Every year, the Institute hosts over 200 renowned foreign scientists, organizes over 15 scientific conferences, seminars and schools.

Research and applied activity

IMI collaborators work on 75 scientific topics funded by BAS budget, by the Science Fund at the Ministry of Education and Science and by international, regional and other programs. The Institute maintains 19 permanent scientific seminars. The library is among the best in Southeast Europe in the field of mathematical sciences.

The mission of the Institute consists in:

  • Developing fundamental and applied research in mathematics and informatics in line with national and European priorities and integrating IMI into European and global research area.
  • Scientific research in the fields of mathematical structures (discrete mathematical structures and applications, differential equations, analysis, geometry and topology), mathematical modelling (stochastic, operation research, numerical methods and scientific calculations, approximation theory and mathematical models) and mathematical informatics (mathematical foundations of informatics, mathematical linguistics and knowledge processing, modelling of software, cognitive and information processes) that enrich the theoretical foundations of mathematics and informatics and lead to innovative applications in other sciences, information and communication technologies, industry and society.
  • Application of mathematics and informatics in national educational programs and educational processes at all levels in the country.

In 1961, the first Bulgarian computing center was created at the Mathematical Institute (MI).

In the period 1962-1964, the first Bulgarian digital computerized machine Vitosha was created.

In 1965, the first electronic calculator Elka 6521 was created.

In the period 1966-1984, a number of institutions that were important for science and practice separated from MI: the Central Institute of Computing (CIC, now “Business Innovation Center IZOT”), Institute of Mechanics and Biomechanics at BAS (now Institute of Mechanics), Coordination Center for Informatics and Computing at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (now Institute of Information and Communication Technologies).

Between 1970 and 1988, the Mathematical Institute was part of the Unified Center for Mathematics and Mechanics (UCMM). Then, for the first time, the model of the three cycle system of university education, which two decades later was adopted throughout Europe, was introduced.

Together with the St. St. Cyril and Methodius Foundation, Evrika Foundation and the Union of Bulgarian Mathematicians, in 2000 IMI founded the High School Student Institute of Mathematics and Informatics.

In 2006, a National Center for Digitization of Scientific, Cultural and Historical Heritage was set up in IMI.

World famous scientists such as Acad. L Tchakalov, Acad. N. Obreshkov, Acad. K. Popov, Acad. L. Iliev, Acad. B. Sendov, Acad. B. Bojanov, Acad. S. Dodunekov, corr.-member Y. Tagamlitzki, corr.-member V. Popov and others worked at IMI or at UCMM.

Educational activity

Doctoral programmes:

  • Mathematical logic
  • Algebra and theory of numbers
  • Differential equations
  • Computational mathematics
  • Geometry and topology
  • Mathematical analysis
  • Probability theory and mathematical statistics
  • Operations research
  • Mathematical modelling and application of mathematics
  • Informatics
  • Methodology of education in mathematics, informatics and information technologies

Joint Masters Programs:

  • Managing IT projects – in cooperation with NBU
  • Financial and accounting management and insuring – jointly with NBU
  • Applied statistics – jointly with NBU
  • Digital technologies in the creative and recreational industries – jointly with UNIBIT

Activities with students and young talents with the participation of IMI:

  • High School Student Institute of Mathematics and Informatics
  • Preparation of the national teams in mathematics, informatics and linguistics for international olympiads and competitions
  • Chernorizec Hrabar Tournament: autumn school tournament for 2-12 grade
  • Ivan Salabashev Tournament: mathematical tournament for 2-12 grade

Contacts

International relations