Analysis and Prospects of Numerical Algebra: Seminar Held in Hangzhou

The seminar on the "Analysis and Prospects of Numerical Algebra" was held from May 8th to 10th, 2005, at the Xizi Hotel in Hangzhou. This conference was initiated by Academician Zhongci Shi of the Institute of Computational Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Tiangang Lei from the Mathematical Physics Department of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. It was organized by Xinghua Wang and Dan Han, professors from the Department of Applied Mathematics at Zhejiang University, and Zhongzhi Bai, a researcher at the Institute of Computational Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Over 40 delegates attended, coming from various universities and research institutions within China, as well as from the United States, the Netherlands, and the Hong Kong and Macau regions. The attendees included both veterans and rising stars in computational mathematics, who gathered to share views, analyze the history and current state of numerical algebra in China, and discuss future developments. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Xinghua Wang. Important speeches were delivered by Academician Zhongci Shi, Professor Long'an Ying from Peking University, and Professor Hanfu Chen from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Academician Shi pointed out that since the establishment of the People's Republic of China, numerical algebra has developed rapidly, producing a batch of high-level research work, training many outstanding talents, and winning several awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress First Prize, making significant contributions to the national economy and defense. However, in recent years, for various reasons, the field of numerical algebra appears somewhat smaller and weaker in strength compared to other branches of computational mathematics. As a fundamental part of computational mathematics and scientific computing, most computational problems ultimately rely on numerical algebra. In Europe and America, this field has always been highly valued, with many American computational mathematicians being academicians. China should also take corresponding measures to strengthen the teaching and research of numerical algebra, focus on cultivating leaders in the discipline, actively develop the intersection and application of numerical algebra with other disciplines, and make new achievements through innovation. Important statements were also made by Professor Hongci Huang from Hong Kong Baptist University, former researcher at the Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Zhihao Cao from Fudan University, Professor Zhiming Chen from the Institute of Computational Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Zhaojun Bai from the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Tiangang Lei from the Foundation Committee.

Delegates had a lively discussion on various aspects, such as the current status, prospects, strengths, and weaknesses of numerical algebra in China. They unanimously agreed that this conference was very important and fruitful, and it would become a new starting point for the development of numerical algebra in China. The delegates made the following suggestions:

 Establish a Numerical Algebra Committee under the National Society of Computational Mathematics to be responsible for planning and coordinating national activities in numerical algebra. The committee will initially consist of five members: Yongzhong Song (Nanjing Normal University, head of the committee), Zhongzhi Bai (CAS), Yimin Wei (Fudan), Hanfu Chen (Hong Kong), and Zhaojun Bai (USA).

 Strive to organize a Numerical Algebra Summer School every one to two years, aimed at young teachers and graduate students nationwide. The first summer school is scheduled for July-August 2006 at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and South China Normal University in Guangzhou.

 Strive to hold a national Numerical Algebra Academic Conference every two to three years, and at an appropriate time, host large international conferences, such as the International Householder Symposium.

 Seek support from various sectors, actively participate in the National 973 Project, and apply for key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation.

 Establish a Young Numerical Algebra Award at an appropriate time to encourage young talents.

This conference was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Institute of Computational Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Department of Applied Mathematics, Zhejiang University. We express our sincere gratitude!

Committee of the Seminar on the Analysis and Prospects of Numerical Algebra

May 20, 2005