International Symposium in Approximation Theory, May 17-21, 2011
The International Symposium in Approximation Theory was held at Vanderbilt May 17-21, 2011, in conjunction with the 26th Annual Shanks Lecture.
The aim of the symposium was to bring together researchers from diverse areas of approximation theory, to stimulate international collaboration, and to promote interaction and the exchange of ideas. The meeting was also an occasion to celebrate the field of approximation theory at large, to highlight past achievements, and to explore its future.
In addition, the conference honored Professor Larry Schumaker in recognition of his recent 70th birthday. Schumaker is a central figure in the field of approximation theory, a well-established branch of mathematics that has gained added importance in recent years due to applications in important new fields such as computer-aided design, computer vision, graphics, robotics, and signal processing. A 2000 profile of Schumaker that described his career up to that point is available?here.
The symposium was held in conjunction with the 26th Annual Shanks Lecture, given by Professor Charles K. Chui (University of Missouri at St. Louis and Stanford University). The title of his talk was ?A Thousand Pictures are Worth a Million Words: Mathematical Challenges.? To view the abstract,?click here.
The prestigious Shanks Lecture Series is organized annually by the Department of Mathematics of Vanderbilt University, honoring Baylis and Olivia Shanks. The late Professor Baylis Shanks was chairman of the Department from 1955 through 1969. A list of previous Shanks Lecturers can be found?here.
The International Symposium in Approximation Theory was organized by Professor Mike Neamtu. Further information is available on the?conference website.