There are many mathematical institutions around the world, which are often thought of as “think tanks” for mathematics. For example, the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences is located at the University of Waterloo in Toronto, Canada (http://www.fields.utoron-to.ca/). This is a center for mathematical research activity that offers, in their own words, “a place where mathematicians from Canada and abroad, from business, industry and financial institutions, can come together to carry out research and formulate problems of mutual interest.”

Another example is the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics (MPIM at http://www.mis.mpg.de/) in Bonn, Germany, one of about 80 other research facilities that are part of the Max Planck Society (http://www.mpg.de/en), all internationally recognized for their basic research in the sciences, mathematics, and humanities. Mathematicians from all over the world visit the MPIM, which offers visitors the ability to discuss mathematical problems or exchange ideas with colleagues.

For a long list of U.S. and international mathematical institutions, see the following websites: The American Mathematical Society’s listings at http://www.ams.org/mathweb/mi-inst.html and the International Mathematical Union’s site at http:// www.mathunion.org/information/math-societies/.