Research of Mathematics
The department of mathematics is particularly well-known for the high level research in discrete mathematics. The research in the fields of number theory, coding theory, automata and biomathematics are internationally considered to be of very good quality. Number theory has long traditions in Turku, while automata and coding theory are relatively new areas which are originally motivated by information and computer sciences. The research in non-linear analysis, quantum mechanics and applied algorithmics are connected to the earlier mentioned areas and represent mathematical methods in natural sciences and computer science.
Models based on mathematics are built and used in social sciences, in the theory of voting behaviour, in decision analysis, in medical sciences and even in the research concerning political structures.
Mathematical research was recognized to be one of the areas of strength in the university strategy 2006-2012. This corresponds to the importance of both theoretical research, and applications in other sciences.
One indicator of the quality of research are the doctoral thesis awards. The University of Turku has been extremely efficient in getting Rolf Nevanlinna doctoral thesis awards : over 40% of given awards have landed in our department.
Research groups
Biomathematics
The group in biomathematics executes research on various fields of mathematics biology including adaptive dynamics, metapopulation dynamics, modelling of physical phenomena and analysis of biomedical signals.
Functional Analysis and Quantum Mechanics
The Departments of Mathematics and Physics collaborate in investigating the mathematical and conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics. The mathematical framework mainly consists of Hilbert space operator theory and its relationship with the integration theory of operator measures.
Foundations of Computing and Discrete Mathematics
The group consists of three smaller groups. The first one concentrates on combinatorics on words, the second one on error correcting codes and the third one on information processing methods inspired by nature.
Mathematical Analysis
Mathematical analysis is widely studied in Turku. The research is carried out in quasiconformal mappings, complex analysis,function spaces, partial differential equations, harmonic analysis and potential theory. The group also develop methods for using computers in mathematical simulations and experiments.
Number Theory
The group consists of two smaller research groups, one concentrating on analytic number theory, another on algebraic number theory. The group has long traditions in the Univerisity of Turku.
Optimization
The group concentrates on modelling and solving practical optimization problemsn and developing optimization methods.