The Small Institute of Mathematics (PIM) began the 2026–2027 academic year on 18 September. Around 140 students aged between 12 and 18 meet every Friday at ICMAT to solve problems and delve deeper into their passion for mathematics.

Around 140 students aged between 12 and 18 meet every Friday at ICMAT. Image: Ágata Timón/ICMAT

PIM classes began on 18 September and will take place every Friday, from 5.30 to 8.00 pm, at the ICMAT headquarters, except on public holidays and holiday weekends. The students, who range from the first year of secondary school to the second year of the Spanish Baccalaureate, are divided into six groups.

The philosophy of the project, which has just begun its fifth year, can be summed up in one idea: mathematics is not learnt by watching, but by doing. That is why the sessions focus on each student’s individual work, with different, interesting and challenging problems. Afterwards, the students discuss their solutions with the teaching staff and their classmates.

This year, we are seeing more and more former PIM students joining the programme as teachers. Several people, including Iván López, Justo Salcedo, Sergio Rodríguez and Sofía Paz, who attended PIM as students, are now guiding a new generation of young people interested in mathematics. It is a sign that the project not only inspires a passion for mathematics, but also builds a community.

PIM is a project run by ICMAT in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Mathematical Society. The exercises used in class are available in the teaching materials section of its website.

PIM students during the break. Image: Ágata Timón/ICMAT

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This text is an automatic translation from the original Spanish version.