Yekaterina Epshteyn
The conference highlighted the latest advances in the field of computational mathematics (CompMath), articulated and illustrated by approximately 250 attendees from across the nation.
Organized by the U’s Yekaterina Epshteyn, James Adler (Tufts University), Alexander Alekseenko (CSUN) and Lars Ruthotto (Emory University), the meeting featured diverse presentations — everything from the design of robust algorithms for various solutions of mathematical models to computational mathematics advances of data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
Presenters discussed, among many other topics like quantum computing, the development of digital twins, virtual, dynamic models of physical systems that are constantly updated with real-time data. These models are used for prediction, monitoring and control of the physical system, offering significant advantages in various applications working toward the solutions of pressing scientific, engineering and societal problems.
From vascular stents to nuclear plants
Some of those algorithms are being developed to improve medical device design like vascular stents, drug delivery devices, implanted devices and medical diagnostic equipment for cancer detection.
Other areas of inquiry include optimizing tracking devices of the contaminants in hydrological systems and creating data-driven methods and tools to detect faults in structures such as bridges and nuclear plants.
“As one of the organizers of the meeting,” says Epshteyn, “I was really impressed by how diverse the topics were, and how detailed the presenters were, from the U and across the nation, in explaining their research.” Meetings like these, generously funded by American taxpayers through the NSF, speak to the broad range of complex problems that need to be addressed to maintain the pace of scientific, engineering, technological and societal discoveries.
The rich tapestry of research in the computational mathematics space, on display at the U conference, demonstrated the real potential for making our world more efficient, safer, kinder and more livable all while growing the economy. “Making the connection between high-level research with real-life, day-to-day outcomes can elude all of us at times,” Epshteyn acknowledges. Not so at the NSF’s CompMath meeting. During the conference, it became self-evident that we are on the cusp of innovations in many closely connected areas, such as engineering and the deployment of next generation materials to design, for example, robust techniques for cryo-electron microscopy. “It’s exciting to see how research in applied and computational mathematics leads to all of these advancements,” says Epshteyn.
The National Science Foundation is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.
The conference also fielded several engaging panel discussions which provided beneficial mentoring to early-career participants—the students, post-doctoral researchers and junior researchers who make up the newest crop of skilled scientists and engineers.
In all, the NSF CompMath Meeting 2025 brilliantly showcased the state-of-the art developments in research and education in the computational mathematics field. It created a supportive and engaging atmosphere for new interactions and collaborations among participants while fostering a greater sense of community for computational mathematicians.
“It was not only a wonderful and productive event for those who attended,” concludes Epshteyn of the event. “It was a gratifying accomplishment for all the work supported by the NSF Division of Mathematical Sciences Computational Mathematics program, for the university and for the future of Utah.”
by David Pace
To read more about the conference and view additional photos click here.
