• The Mathematics Intensive Program (MIP) will address the special needs of the most talented students so they can fully develop their potential.
• It will offer them mentorship, research topics tailored to their interests, and advanced courses throughout all years of their undergraduate studies.
• The program begins in October 2025, and registration will be open until May 15, 2025.

A small group of students will be part of the MIP. Image: Iñigo de Amescua/ICMAT

Currently, there are several programs in Spain for students with a special interest in mathematics. Among these initiatives is Estalmat, the Pequeño Instituto de Matemáticas (PIM) at ICMAT, which extends from the early years of secondary school to high school, or the Mathematical Olympiad preparation programs, also at this stage. Now, to complement this offer, ICMAT is launching a pioneering project: the first Mathematics Intensive Program (MIP) for undergraduate students whose passion for mathematics drives them to deepen and expand their knowledge.

The MIP is inspired by high-performance programs that have been running in other countries for decades. “Institutions such as the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa in Italy or the École Normale Supérieure in France, dedicated to academic excellence, have been extraordinary sources of mathematical talent. Several mathematicians who have reached the highest levels of recognition, such as the Fields Medal, studied at these institutions or through similar programs,” says Javier Aramayona, director of ICMAT.

The MIP will cater to the special needs of the most talented students so they can fully develop their potential. A highly select group of students starting a Mathematics degree at a university in the Community of Madrid in the 2025-26 academic year will be chosen. They will participate in the program until the completion of their degree and, upon finishing their studies, will receive a specific certificate issued by the CSIC, certifying their participation in the program.

During this period, each student will be assigned a mentor, a researcher from ICMAT, who will suggest study and research topics complementary to their university training, based on their interests. Additionally, they will be introduced to current mathematical research topics. “We want to offer them the opportunity to establish an early connection with mathematical research,” says Aramayona.

Participants will also regularly attend lectures and roundtable discussions given by national and international researchers visiting ICMAT. Each year, a series of advanced courses will be organized, including reading groups and topic presentations. “Collaboration is very important in research, and we believe it is essential to get used to this way of working,” comments the director of the Institute.

The entire program will be free of charge for students. It starts in October 2025, and registration is open until May 15, 2025, through an online form.