The thematic program on PDE will be focused principally on problems that stem from questions in applied mathematics and in mathematical physics. The particular choice of subject matter is dictated by a choice of active topics of research that are of particular current interest, and the mathematical taste of the Scientific Committee. As mentioned in the introduction, we are planning the fall semester of the program to be focused on elliptic and parabolic systems of partial differential equations arising in mathematical theories of super-conductivity and of phase transition phenomena in the physics of materials. The winter semester will be focused on Hamiltonian PDE, in particular hyperbolic equations and nonlinear dispersive evolution equations that arise in mathematical physics and in continuum mechanics, and on the equations of kinetic theory that arise in the study of statistical mechanics and of wave turbulence. Specific activities that we are planning for the year long thematic program include:

• six one-week long focused scientific workshops on aspects of PDE,
• one one-week long conference on the mathematical theory of surface water waves, to take place during the summer 2004,
• three mini-courses, featuring several short courses on current topics,
• at least two weekend mini-symposia focused on special topics of current interest, presented by internationally known mathematicians who are leaders in their field, taking place during the academic year,
• two Coxeter Lecture series and one Distinguished Lecture series during the year,
• several ongoing research seminar series that meet regularly during the academic year,
  and
• a series of advanced graduate courses on special topics in the field that will serve to introduce graduate students and other mathematicians to research-level results and techniques.

Detailed plans for the thematic program:

The following represents a short sketch of the activities that we are planning for the thematic program year. The details may change according to the plans of individuals to take part in the program, the precise dates of their residence at the Fields Institute, and for other reasons. The names of individuals who have confirmed participation are marked with an asterisk.

2003 Summer- Fall Semester Program:

Focus will be on elliptic and parabolic systems; pattern formation, phase transition, and superconductivity