Mathematical Sciences Research Institute

Berkeley, CA | 2020

The work that our institute has done to reach out to groups underrepresented in mathematics at all levels, from early precollege students through women and minorities recruited into our advanced programs, requires the work of many individuals who have demonstrated intense, lifelong devotion to the goals that the PAESMEM program recognizes. To MSRI, this Presidential Award is a deeply moving tribute to those individuals and their contributions.

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. See the organization's website for its latest information.

The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) is located on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). It was founded in 1982. It serves students and professional mathematicians from around the United States and around the world. David Eisenbud, a Professor of Mathematics at UC Berkeley, has served as the Director of the Institute from from 1997 to 2007 and from 2013 to the present. Previous positions include President of the American Mathematical Society from 2003 to 2005. David has a distinguished mentoring history, with over 30 successful Ph.D. students, many of whom now serve in prestigious mathematics departments. He has also mentored a number of National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Fellows. In partnership with over 100 sponsoring academic organizations, MSRI currently runs 10 to 12 Summer Graduate Schools, mentoring over 300 graduate students each year. The organization runs the Research for Undergraduates program MSRI-UP. This is the premiere undergraduate research program aimed at undergraduates from currently underrepresented minorities. Because of the proven success of the program, it receives support from the NSF, the Sloan Foundation, and the National Security Agency (NSA). MSRI has developed a widely admired, systematic mentoring program for postdoctoral visitors and graduate students that represents the best practice in the field. Postdocs and their mentors meet weekly. The pairs are given suggested activities, including joint research and professional mentoring. After assignment, the pairs are monitored by the Director and Deputy Director of the Institute, and in cases where the match is not optimal, corrective action is taken.

Organization Representative Contact Information

Tatiana Toro Portrait Thumbnail

Tatiana Toro

Berkeley CA 94720-5070