Mathematics and its applications permeate a significant amount of research currently being carried out at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Recognizing this, an "IISc Mathematics Initiative (IMI)" was setup to foster
interdisciplinary collaborations between different research areas with mathematics as the common theme. Such collaborations would help scientists and engineers solve research problems requiring inputs from mathematicians. Simultaneously it would help mathematicians to extend their expertise to applied areas and enable them to contribute significantly to interdisciplinary projects.

To achieve these goals, a focus area of current interest to both mathematicians and scientists/engineers is identified every year. During this period, experts in the focus area (both from India and abroad) are invited to visit the Indian Institute of Science. Post doctoral fellows are appointed in that area. Workshops, conferences, compact courses and seminars are organized to catalyze interdisciplinary collaborations. Scientists and engineers from national laboratories and industry are encouraged to take part in these activities. It is hoped that such activities would also help kick start research in cutting edge areas of science and technology where mathematics
plays an important role.

At present, 29 faculty members spread across 15 Departments of IISc and 2 members from the TIFR-CAM centre are participating in the initiative. IMI is housed in the Department of Mathematics which also serves as
the nodal Department.