\texttt{MATHEON}: Introducing the DFG research center ``Mathematics for key technologies'' in Berlin (Q814165)

In May 2002 the research center ``Mathematics for key technologies; Modelling, simulation, and optimization of real-world processes'' (MATHEON) in Berlin was founded. It is one of six new centers supported by the ``Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft'' (DFG), the only one dealing with mathematics. About 200 scientists take part in the project, some are professors of the universities in Berlin: ``Technische Universität'', ``Humboldt Universität'' or ``Freie Universität'', some are members of the ``Konrad-Zuse-Zentrum'' or ``Weierstrass-Institut''; about 100 are supported by the DFG grant. Resarch is focused on three mathematical fields: optimization and discrete mathematics, numerical analysis and scientific computing, applied and stochastic analysis. Application areas are: life sciences, traffic and communication networks, production, electronic circuits and optical technologies, finance, visualization and education. Intention of the center MATHEON is to develop new mathematics in close inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation. The vision and mission is ``to give a strong push to the role of mathematics in the interactive process'' with the applications. Key technologies were selected with the hope that the interaction with practitioners leads to particular progress as well in mathematics as in its applications.