Facts and Figures :
  Organisations involved : Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
INSA-Lyon
  Main skills : Algebra (group theory),
logics,
discrete mathematics,
cryptography,
combinatory mathematics,
geometry (discrete geometry and imaging),
applied analysis (control theory),
mathematical physics,
numerical analysis,
intensive scientific calculations,
parallel calculation,
mathematical modelling,
partial derivate equations,
probabilities,
statistics,
biomathematics, medical biometry and biocomputing,
mathematics applied to finance…

 

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  The la Doua Science Park draws on various competences in fundamental research. It acts as a catalyst for breakthroughs and innovations. More than 500 researchers and PhD students work in :
  PhysicsMathematicsEarth Science


 
From the 50's to the 70's research in mathematics concentrated mainly on the establishment of major theories. Conversely an evolution towards the resolution of specific problems is currently underway.
Furthermore, mathematics are currently showing a real potential for application development : logics (compilers, language theory, software validation), number theory and algebric geometry (cryptography, coding), algebric geometry (imaging, animation, artificial vision).
The la Doua Science Park plays an active part in all these evolutions. Strong competences in pure mathematics and in applied mathematics (applications for engineering sciences, medicine and finance) are both represented on the site. La Doua researchers are also heavily involved in biomathematical programmes on gene mapping.
Many different research contracts have been signed with large companies : aeronautics (Dassault Aviation), car manufacturers (Renault, Michelin), computer manufacturers (Compaq), glass industry (Vétrotex), insurance and finance (Banque Indosuez, Ecureuil Vie, Athéna Assurances, Caisse d'Epargne, Aurel), earth science and food processing (Biomérieux, Danone, Pasteur Mérieux Connaught)…

Research - Training - La Doua : innovations and achievements - Major projects
Click here to locate the research labs and businesses in fundamental sciences >>


Research :

La Doua researchers are more particularly involved in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, actuarial and finance mathematics and biomathematics.


Pure mathematics :
First-class partnerships : The Girard Desargues Institute is developing major collaborations both in Europe and in the United States : USA (Penn State University), Hungary (Balaton contract), Spain (Picasso contract), Romania, Slovakia, South Korea…
   
The major fields of study in mathematics are algebra (group theory), logics, applied analysis (control theory), discrete geometry and imaging, mathematical physics, cryptography and combinatory mathematics.
   
Discrete geometry and imaging : Researchers from the Institute are currently working on the definition of geometrical points to superimpose two X-ray images of the same brain taken at a given interval. They will then assess the modifications of the image over that period of time. Discrete geometry should thus enable real progress in medical imaging.
   
Mathematics and astronomy : A major partnership has been established with astronomers on robust assessment, i.e. assessing the reliabity of predictions. This research is part of the study on the properties of stars.


Applied mathematics :
Applied mathematics aims at improving our understanding of industrial or scientific problems of the real world.
They often involve calculations for which knowledge in mathematics either improves the method or simply makes it possible by limiting the problems to be solved.
Applied mathematics also offers simplified representations and gives qualitative hints as to the reliability of results, the relevance of equations used,...
 
MAPLY (The Lyon Applied Mathematics Lab - a CNRS joint research unit) has a strong experience in mathematical models linked to various scientific fields : reactive environments, laminar or turbulent fluids, contact, friction, lubrication, and impact mechanics, optimal design, boundary layers, homogenisation. Researchers can therefore gain a better understanding of the language of applications and users. Their culture based on partial derivate equations has recently been extended to probabilities.
One of today's real technological challenges consists in developing code to better feed calculation processors without being slowed down by computer memory access. The Modelisation and Scientific Calculation Team has gained recognition in this field whether for parallel calculations (algorithmics), or for major calculations (flow,…). On a European scale, the team is involved in a programme on distributed calculation with a large number of nodes (approximately 1,500 processors), with a view to challenging teams from the Department of Energy in the USA and the NAL in Japan.


Actuarial and finance mathematics :
ISFA (Institute of Finance and Insurance Science) trains almost half of all national actuarians, and its lab is a French leader in actuarial and finance research.
   
Insurance and financial markets : Insurance ranks first in France in terms of financial turnover, as much as construction and chemistry put together. It develops faster than the national economy and so does the sector of financial services. The enormous financial stakes have led to a boom in the need for analysis tools capable of improving decision making. ISFA, together with various companies in this field of study, has carried out statistical studies and developed financial and actuarial assessment models. The Institute also plays an active role in the FIQUAM research group the aim of which is a better understanding of the way financial markets work, of risk assessment and of management strategies.


Biomathematics :
Biomathematics/Biocomputing and post-genome analysis : The Biometry and Evolutive Biology Lab draws on competences in computing, statistics, data analysis, and dynamic modelling to develop research on management, genome representation and modelling. The lab is among the three founding members of PRABI (Rhône Alpes Biocomputing Pole) together with IBCP and the INRIA Hélix programme. As such, it is heavily involved in the Rhône-Alpes genopole biocomputing programme. This research field is also concerned with biodiversity and quantitative ecology most particularly as part of dynamic systems (mainly differential equations) and data analysis.
   



Training :

Initial training :

  Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University :
3,771 first- and second-year students in 2000
641 undergraduate and post-graduate students
ISFA (Institute of Finance and Insurance Science) : 311 students (almost half of all actuarians trained every year in France)
ISTIL (Lyon Institute of Engineering Science and Techniques) : 20 engineers/year
Projects
 
Implementation of a joint ISTIL (UCBL)/Houston, University (USA ) master in modelling and scientific calculations.
Creation of an engineering course on biocomputing and biomathematics at INSA-Lyon in a partnership with UCBL.
  Focus on :
  Licence de mathématiques (UCBL) (3-year degree in mathematics )
  Maîtrise de mathématiques (UCBL) (4-year degree in mathematics)
  Maîtrise de mathématques mention ingénierie mathématique (UCBL) (4-year degree in mathematics with a major in mathematical engineering)
  Filière "Ingénierie modélisation et calcul scientifique" (ISTIL/UCBL) ("modelling engineering and scientific calculations" curriculum)
  Magistère de mathematiques (UCBL) (vocational undergratuate degree in mathematics)
  mathematics and computing (Math. IF) post-graduate school : DEA de mathématiques, DEA d'analyse numérique, équations aux dérivées partielles et calcul scientifique (post-graduate research certificates in mathematics and numerical analysis, partial derivate equations and scientific calculations).
   
  Maîtrise de sciences et techniques (MST) sciences actuarielle et financière (ISFA/UCBL) (4-year degree in sciences and techniques, actuarial and finance science)
  Magistère des sciences actuarielle et financière (ISFA/UCBL) (vocational undergratuate degree in actuarial and finance science)
  DESS ingénierie mathématiques (options : ingénierie financière, ingénierie de la décision, mathematics et informatique) (ISFA/UCBL) (vocational post-graduate degree in mathematics enginnering, with majors in finance engineering, decision engineering, mathematics and computer science).
  DESS sciences actuarielle et financière (ISFA/UCBL) (vocational post-graduate degree in actuarial and finance science)
  Management - Information - Finance post-graduate school : DEA Sciences actuarielle et financière (post-graduate research certificates in actuarial and finance science)
   
  Licence de biologie mention biologie des organismes (option mathématiques appliquées à la biologie) (UCBL) (3-year degree in biology specialising in organism biology (majors in mathematics applied to biology)).
  Maîtrise de biologie des populations et écosystèmes (option mathématiques appliquées à la biologie) (UCBL) (3-year degree in population and ecosystem biology (majors in mathematics applied to biology).
  Evolution, Ecosystem, Microbiology, and Modellling (E2M2) post-graduate school : DEA Analyse et modélisation des systèmes biologiques (post-graduate research certificates in biological system analysis and modelling).

An overview of innovations and achievements at la Doua
Transition zones between miscible liquids MAPLY Little is currently known about the transition zone between two liquids and studies are affected by gravity. Mathematical models show that a spherical drop in a different miscible liquid can lose its symmetry. Experiments currently being prepared for the international space station will shed light on the problem (NASA supported).


Major projects
Research Rhône-Alpes Biocomputing Pole (PRABI), as part of state/region objective contract Now that gene mapping has been completed it is crucial to select which information can effectively be used. This is the key to treatment of certain diseases. This post-genome analysis, which takes into account the functions of genes, quite heavily relies on biomathematics and biocomputing. PRABI, founded by the UCBL Biometry and Evolutive Biology Lab, IBCP (Institute of Biology and Protein Chemistry) and INRIA, is one of the main French partners in the programme.
Research Biocomputing and Rhône-Alpes genopole Biocomputing is one of the areas the Rhône-Alpes Genopole is active in. The creation of a research centre in comparative analysis is at stake. The purpose of the programme is to develop comparative analyses as part of gene mapping, and particularly in an evolutive context. The experience of PRABI is a key to the success of the programme.
Research The Lyon federation for scientific calculations and modelling The UCBL modelling and scientific calculation team participates in the digital modelling science pole (PSMN) which gathers several local research labs and makes access to a high-performance parallel calculation server possible.
Infrastructures Development of ISFA ISFA (Institute of Insurance and Finance Science) trains alsmost half of all French actuarians. The number of actuarians trained at la Doua is due to double in the years to come to compensate for the shortage of actuarians in France. The development of ISFA on the la Doua Science Park has therefore been decided.


Click here to locate the research labs and the businesses in fundamental sciences >>