Euromath Network and Services for the New Independent States

EmNet/NIS

Background and History

During the 4 years of EmNet/fSU, a modern, internationally oriented research infrastructure based on computing and computer networking will be established on fSU territory. This aims, in the first place, at the mathematically oriented sciences. The plans have been prepared through international collaboration since 1988. Only now can they be realized. Considering the strength of mathematical research in all parts of Europe, the expected synergy effect will be pronounced.

The declaration concerns the 15 months long first phase which is technology oriented with transfer of know-how and with limited but central implementations of services within communication, document handling, information, databases, directories, and publishing. There are 8 partners from fSU. An aggressive expansion to cover some 70-120 partners from fSU in a second phase will be planned.

Services will be especially adapted to the fSU situation (varying from region to region). The project will strive to achieve an economies of scale by exploiting the newest state-of-the-art technology. Special care will be given to create centres and services which can generate a modest income immediately and a more substantial income at the medium and long range (e.g. related to collaboration with industry). This and other aspects of the project are specifically aimed at preventing a further brain drain in the fSU.

The mathematical sciences occupy a strong position in fSU. Until recently, they were not technology dependent. However, with the advent of modern information technology, it is becoming a prerequisit for all scientists to have access to a research infrastructure based on computers and networking. Also, advanced computing is becoming an integral part of many branches of mathematics and is destined to have a significant impact on the conduct of mathematical research itself.

The situation represents a challange as well as an opportunity. By introducing modern technology in fSU it will, in principle, be possible to maintain a high scientific level and to prevent further brain drain.

It is realized, that though the project proposed in this Declaration of Intent addresses the critical issues indicated above in a well thought out and focused way, the demand is huge and even if successfull, our project can only be seen as a beginning which will require continued funding and continued comprehensive work and collaboration by the European scientific community. Emphasis must be placed on the engagement and contributions by the scientists in the States of the fSU themselves.

We have deliberately split our project into two phases. The first, and shorter phase, is more centralized and technology oriented. During this phase, limited end-user oriented services will be developed. Therefore, the results of the first phase will be of value in themselves. Though not formally part of the proposal presented for funding in this Declaration of Intent, we point out that the planned second phase of our project is ambitious in that it will involve some 70-120 research centres in fSU. The necessary planning for this pronounced extension will take place during the first phase.

During both phases of EmNet/fSU, centres of expertise of lasting value will be created. The centres will vary greatly in size and specific objectives. However, they will all contain a common kernel of know-how and services which will form part of a pan-European network. Each centre will be placed as an integral part of an active researh environment and will choose its specific areas of interest and activity in accordance with the basis of expertise and interest at the research organization in question. In this way it is hoped to create a base for collaboration with industry and others which will generate an income on a running basis.

The activities will be coordinated with similar activities in other parts of Europe.

Scientific area

Specific objectives

• To enhance the computing and networking environment at the fSU partners, thereby enabling the creation of end-user oriented services, and enabling the integration of fSU into EmNet (Euromath Network and services),
• To establish services especially tailored to the needs of the fSU mathematical community, e.g. regarding language, documentation and available resources; of particular interest is the creation of an information system, and a base for electronic publishing,
• To provide the researchers at the fSU-partner institutions with a platform facilitating document preparation and exchange and access to external services such as databases, information systems (cf.2) and computer algebra systems (the key element is installations of the Euromath System),
• To establish centres as part of EmNet,
• To prepare for the expansion in phase 2 of the project to 70-120 research institutions.
• To crate an awareness of the potential of the EmNet/fSU approach among all the sciences in fSU, and to offer preliminary, necessarily limited, assistance.