IMIS · Xidian University · Xi'an , China

IMIS REU in Combinatorics

Institute of Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences · Xidian University

点击跳转至中文网页

About the program

The IMIS Undergraduate Research Program in Combinatorics offers undergraduate and master's students a structured, year-long research experience in combinatorics and related areas. Organized by the Institute of Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences (IMIS), Xidian University, the program brings together motivated students and experienced mentors in a collaborative research environment. Participants will move through three stages: an introductory mini-course phase, an extended research period carried out in small groups under close faculty supervision, and a concluding workshop. Students from outside Xi'an are warmly encouraged to apply. Online participation during the research phase is fully supported, and travel expenses for the mini-course will be covered for selected non-local participants. The program is entirely voluntary: neither students nor mentors receive financial compensation. Our shared goal is to do serious mathematics together in a collaborative and supportive environment, and we hope that each group will make substantial progress on a research problem, ideally leading to a paper or preprint by the end of the program.

Program structure

1.Mini-courses · July 27 – July 31, 2026

The program opens with an intensive one-week series of foundational lectures covering key tools and techniques in combinatorics. Sessions will be held in person at Xidian University, and travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for students coming from outside Xi'an.

2.Research phase · August 2026 – July 2027

Students work in small groups under the guidance of an assigned advisor. The cohort meets monthly for a shared progress session, with additional check-ins between each student and their mentor as needed. We hope that each group will make substantial progress on a research problem, ideally resulting in a paper or preprint by the end of the program.

3.Closing workshop · Summer 2027

The program concludes with a workshop or summer school at which participants present their work to an audience drawn from the broader mathematical community in Xi'an and beyond.

Timeline

Research topics (2026–2027)(Click to open the documentation)

Mentors

How to apply

Application Form

We welcome applications from undergraduate and master's students at any university.

Eligibility requirements:

• GPA in mathematics courses of at least 8.5/10 or 3.25/4

• Two strong letters of recommendation

Students based in Xi'an are expected to participate in person. Students from outside Xi'an are also warmly encouraged to apply; online participation during the research phase is supported, and selected non-local participants will receive travel support for the mini-course.

For any questions, please feel free to reach out to 

Tao Zhang (zhant220@163.com) or Thang Pham (thangphammath@xidian.edu.cn).