Why?

Mathematics is a large knowledge domain with many subdomains and different driving forces. The Department of Applied Mathematics in SINTEF ICT fits well to the introducing sentence in the Wikipedia on Applied Mathematics: "Applied mathematics is a branch of mathematics that concerns itself with the mathematical techniques typically used in the application of mathematical knowledge to other domains." When Wikipedia addresses what the brancehes of Applied Mathematics are it is stated: "There is no consensus of what the various branches of applied mathematics are. Such categorizations are made difficult by the way mathematics and science change over time, and also by the way universities organize departments, courses, and degrees."

Solving application oriented problems on computers is as we all know, not trivial. Industrial systems dominantly use floating point representation of numbers. Consequently computer implemented solution of mathematical problems in most cases has to be based on understanding of the limitations of floating point represented numbers, rounding errors and tolerances. This is far from the domain of pure mathematics that is described as follows in Wikipedia: “Pure mathematics is mathematics motivated entirely for reasons other than application”.

The Department of Applied Mathematics in SINTEF ICT finds itself in-between pure mathematics and industrial problems in need of a computer based  mathematical solution. We know that there is much untapped knowledge within pure mathematics that can give better insight into applied mathematics, and that can be use for better solving applied mathematics challenges.

The actual research foci of the department have evolved over the years from the ideas of the department employees, the identification and funding available for solving applied mathematics challenges, and our understanding of the evolution of applied mathematics within the domains that we address. Without the right personnel, good ideas and funded projects there would be no department.

As the department is part of a research institute with a low  basic funding, most of our funding is through research contracts. Consequently we have to aim for research where we can document the benefit for the funding organization. The fact that we have more than fifty years track record with respect to applied mathematics demonstrates our ability to efficiently take up trends and adapt to evolution in society, industry and technology.