INSTYTUT MATEMATYCZNY POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK

Their core work

IMPAN is Poland's premier pure mathematics research institute, part of the Polish Academy of Sciences. They specialize in advanced algebraic geometry, topology, and group theory — areas that form the theoretical backbone for fields ranging from cryptography to quantum computing. Their H2020 work focuses on deep mathematical structures including rigidity theory, homotopy theory, and the geometry of algebraic varieties, consistently securing prestigious ERC Starting Grants for their researchers.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IMPAN's early H2020 projects (2015–2017) centered on differential geometry and quantum dynamics, using smaller Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships and mobility schemes. From 2016 onward, the institute shifted toward deeper algebraic and topological structures — first with group rigidity and index theory (INDEX, 2016), then with algebraic homotopy and arithmetic geometry (KAPIBARA, 2019). The trend is clear: moving from applied geometric questions toward increasingly abstract and foundational mathematics, backed by larger ERC Starting Grants.

IMPAN is deepening its focus on foundational algebraic geometry and arithmetic topology, positioning itself at the frontier of areas with growing relevance to post-quantum cryptography and topological data analysis.

How they like to work

IMPAN exclusively coordinates its H2020 projects — all four are led by the institute, indicating strong PI-driven research leadership rather than a consortium-follower approach. Their projects span both small MSCA fellowships (individual researchers) and larger ERC grants, suggesting they attract top mathematical talent who bring their own funding. With 20 unique partners across 11 countries, they maintain a broad but research-community-focused network typical of elite mathematics institutes.

IMPAN has collaborated with 20 distinct partners across 11 countries, reflecting the internationally distributed nature of pure mathematics research. Their network is broad and European-wide, built through researcher mobility (MSCA) and ERC-funded team collaborations rather than large industrial consortia.

What sets them apart

IMPAN is one of Central-Eastern Europe's most respected pure mathematics institutes, with a legacy stretching back to 1948 and a tradition of producing world-class algebraic and geometric research. Their ability to consistently win ERC Starting Grants — the most competitive individual researcher funding in Europe — signals exceptional talent density. For consortium builders needing rigorous mathematical foundations (e.g., in cryptography, quantum information, or topological methods), IMPAN offers depth that few institutions in the region can match.

Highlights from their portfolio

• KAPIBARA
  Largest grant (EUR 1M ERC-STG) running until 2026, tackling perfectoid spaces and wild ramification — among the hottest topics in modern arithmetic geometry.
• INDEX
  ERC-STG grant on group rigidity and the Baum-Connes conjecture, a central open problem in noncommutative geometry with implications for quantum physics and operator algebras.