Quadrennial Nonlinear Analysis Event Honors Federation Founder
MELBOURNE, FLA.—Like clockwork, the International Federation of Nonlinear Analysts (IFNA) has convened every four years since 1992. This year, the Fifth World Congress of Nonlinear Analysts, to be held in Orlando, Fla., will honor the founder of the federation and prime organizer of the world congresses, V. Lakshmikantham.
Known as Dr. “Lak,” he is a Florida Institute of Technology mathematics professor and administrator and, for the past 20 years, he has served as head of the Florida Tech Department of Mathematical Sciences.
Nonlinear problems are of interest to scientists and mathematicians because nature and the universe are inherently nonlinear systems. Nonlinear analysis provides the mathematical underpinnings for all modern science, including chemistry, physics, astrophysics and biology. The most famous nonlinear system of all may be weather. This is because simple changes in one part of the system produce complex effects throughout.
The conference will run July 2-9 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. It is expected to draw 1,000 scientists from 55 countries. A projected 1,200 papers will be presented. A plenary session and reception, to be held on July 3, starting at 7 p.m., will introduce and celebrate the career of Lak.
Additionally, the reception is a fund-raiser for the Dr. V. Lakshmikantham Endowed Scholarship. It was established in 1998 to provide financial assistance to mathematics majors at Florida Tech.
During the meeting, Lak will also receive the Golden Lyapunov Medal. Established as the highest honor of the IFNA and Academy of Nonlinear Sciences, the medal is named for renowned 19th century Russian mathematician A.M. Lyapunov. It is awarded for distinguished achievement in developing his ideas.
Lak has made five decades of contributions to the mathematical sciences community. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 books, monographs and research articles.
The conference is hosted by the Florida Tech College of Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences.
For more information, contact Linda Ward at (321) 674-7573 or lward@fit.edu.
