BCAM - BASQUE CENTER FOR APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Their core work

BCAM is a research center in Bilbao specializing in applied mathematics — they develop advanced numerical methods, simulation tools, and computational models that solve real engineering and scientific problems. Their core competence is translating abstract mathematical theory (partial differential equations, finite element methods, multiscale modeling) into practical computational tools for geophysics, aerodynamics, materials design, and biomedical applications. They are particularly strong in high-performance computing simulations that bridge the gap between mathematical models and industrial or clinical reality.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), BCAM focused heavily on foundational applied mathematics — geophysical exploration methods, microscopic evolution equations, monetary policy forecasting, and mathematical optimization for societal challenges. From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward industrial and biomedical applications: additive manufacturing, gas turbine aerodynamics, blood rheology for COVID-19 thrombosis, and computational neuroscience. The theoretical mathematical core remains, but the application domains have become more tangible and commercially relevant.

BCAM is moving from theoretical mathematics toward applied computational tools for manufacturing, energy (CO2 sequestration), and health — making them increasingly relevant for industry partnerships.

How they like to work

BCAM splits evenly between leading and joining projects (7 as coordinator, 7 as participant), showing they are comfortable in both roles depending on the topic. Their coordinated projects tend to be smaller MSCA fellowships and ERC grants (individual researcher-scale), while their participant roles are in larger collaborative research actions. With 67 unique partners across 25 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators.

BCAM has collaborated with 67 distinct partners across 25 countries, indicating a wide and well-distributed European network. Their participation in MSCA-RISE mobility projects (MATHROCKS, ASTROTECH) further extends their reach to international academic and research institutions.

What sets them apart

BCAM occupies a distinctive niche: they are applied mathematicians who can build the computational methods that engineers and scientists need but cannot develop themselves. Unlike engineering labs that use off-the-shelf simulation software, BCAM creates the underlying algorithms — higher-order finite elements, multiscale models, goal-oriented adaptive solvers. For a consortium, this means they bring the mathematical engine that makes simulations faster, more accurate, or possible at all.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ADAM²
  Their largest-funded project (EUR 356,740) as coordinator, bridging microstructure analysis with additive manufacturing — a clear move toward industrial application.
• ViBRheo
  Designed a virtual blood rheometer for thrombosis characterization with COVID-19 relevance, showing BCAM can rapidly pivot mathematical tools toward urgent health challenges.
• GEODPG
  Their most recent coordinated project applies space-time DPG methods to CO2 sequestration — connecting advanced math directly to climate-critical geophysical problems.