Institute for Experimental Mathematics

Managing Director: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lempken

To enable mathematicians, computer experts and telecommunications engineers to engage in uncomplicated and transdisciplinary collaboration under one roof, the institute for Experimental Mathematics (IEM) was founded, with the support of the Volkswagen Foundation, as a central scientific facility of the former University of Essen in 1989. With the addition of the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation Chair on 1 January 1999, the institute was expanded to include Computer Networking Technology. The areas of Discrete Mathematics, Digital Communications, Computer Networking Technology and Number Theory are all represented at the IEM.

The primary objective of the institute is to foster interaction between Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering. The activities undertaken by IEM scientists in pursuit of this objective include:

basic research in algebra, number theory, and algebraic and technical coding theory
improving possibilities for the use of computers in mathematical research by developing algorithms and more efficient software
developing mathematical methods of data transmission and data backup for theoretical and practical applications.