Welcome to IMAPS

The Institute of Mathematics and Physics, which embraces two of the oldest and scientifically distinguished departments, Mathematics and Physics, was launched by Aberystwyth University in August 2003. Established shortly after the University of Wales was founded at Aberystwyth in 1872, these subjects were taught from the start and continue today with over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students, including many from abroad.

Research in Applied Mathematics and Atmospheric Physics was well-established at Aberystwyth by 1900. In 1908 GA Schott predicted the phenomenon of synchrotron radiation at Aberystwyth almost 70 years before Julian Schwinger from Harvard won a Nobel Prize for developing the full theory. In 1940 EJ Williams, whose centenary was celebrated in 2003 in Llanwennog, discovered the pi-meson in Aberystwyth using one of the early cloud chambers. The pi-meson is one of the most important fundamental particles of the universe.

In more recent years Professor Ken Walters FRS established the internationally renowned Institute of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics in which Applied Mathematics is directed at predicting the complex behaviour of modern paints, polymers and foodstuffs. At the same time Physics at Aberystwyth has developed to include the physics of the Sun with the pioneering work of Professor Phil Williams on Space Weather. Amongst the most recent developments has been the foundation of the Materials Physics Laboratory, which is devoted to advancing glass and semiconductor Physics. This was officially opened by Wales' First Minister Rhodri Morgan in 2002.

Currently the Institute of Mathematics and Physics is initiating the Welsh Visualisation Centre, in conjunction with the WDA, IT companies and Objective 1. This £10m leading-edge project based at Aberystwyth will exploit state-of-the-art virtual reality technology for academic and industrial partnerships across Wales.

Professor Manuel Grande