In 1935, New York University invited Richard Courant—a visiting professor who had been forced by Germany’s Nazi government to resign his position at the University of Göttingen—to establish a new Department of Mathematics within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Professor Courant chose to focus his studies on applied mathematics, the use of mathematical principles to solve issues in a variety of fields. Ninety years later, the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences continues to uphold our founder’s mission of academic freedom, collaboration, and problem-solving.

The renowned faculty and talented students in our Mathematics and Computer Science departments push the boundaries of their disciplines and utilize their research to achieve real-world results—from climate change and artificial intelligence to medical imaging and robotics. The sciences help to shape our world’s present and its future. Your support ensures that the Courant Institute is able to empower our students and faculty to sustain and expand upon our legacy of innovation in mathematics, technology, and education.