IDMS is an annual summer school geared toward women and underrepresented groups in mathematics and related sciences. The goal is to create opportunity for undergraduates traditionally underrepresented in mathematics to take graduate-level courses and establish community before they start graduate studies. The program began several years ago but paused during the pandemic. All five participating institutes have committed funding to ensure it can run indefinitely and without interruption.

Building a support network between the undergraduate and graduate years is critical to ensure women and underrepresented groups are empowered to thrive in their future academic pursuits. All participating institutes are unilaterally behind the success of the IDMS program and consider its mission a priority.

“Graduate programs in mathematical sciences across the country are still lacking in diversity. With this program, we aim to give students from various backgrounds an understanding of why going to grad school will aid their career goals, and provide them with the tools they need - both academically and with support structures - to succeed in graduate school,” said Fields Deputy Director, Deirdre Haskell.

The IDMS program will rotate around the country each summer. Students can expect top-level instruction from participating faculty, guest speakers from academia and industry and ongoing support from mentors that they can return to in the future.

The inaugural course of the newly revived IDMS program will be hosted next summer by the Atlantic Association for Research in the Mathematical Sciences (AARMS) at Dalhousie University. “We’re honoured to welcome the first group of IDMS students to Halifax next summer,” says Sara Faridi, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at Dalhousie. “All the mathematics institutes are united in our aim to help provide the structure and supports that ensure these talented, motivated students can thrive in their graduate studies.”

Application details will be made available shortly and circulated to Canadian mathematics undergraduate departments. If you are interested in joining the organizing committee to host in 2025, please contact Deirdre Haskell (dhaskell@fields.utoronto.ca).