Matematiikan ja tilastotieteen laitos

Mathematical thinking – understanding the structures of phenomena

Mathematical thinking explores the structures and principles underlying phenomena. At its core is the idea of how we can use clear rules and models to interpret the complex phenomena that make up our world. We seek to understand the range of natural processes, imaging technologies, and changes that are not directly observable through measurements.

Mathematical thinking and expertise are key pillars of society

Mathematical thinking and expertise provide the foundation for a well-functioning society, progress, and a sustainable future.

Mathematical thinking and the study of basic natural phenomena across different scales underlies all our activities and research. Research at the faculty is multidisciplinary, combining fundamental mathematical questions with practical applications such as modelling natural phenomena, digital imaging and risk assessment.

Research focuses on areas such as mathematical analysis, a key research strength with a long tradition at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. In evolutionary research, mathematical models help us understand species behaviour, environmental change, and ecological interactions on a large scale. They make it possible to integrate thousands of observations, weather data, and long-term monitoring information. Computational nanoscience also relies on mathematical thinking to accurately understand and predict the structures and phenomena of materials at the nanoscale.

Mathematical modelling is an essential part of evolutionary biology research, as it allows researchers to examine and explain, for example, the behaviour of species.

Lintujen tutkimusta
Mathematical modeling is a key part of evolutionary biology research. It helps us examine and explain, for example, the behavior of species.

Research areas

The research domain combines various fields, and it has a range of everyday applications, for instance in seismic research, which studies earthquakes and the movements of the earth’s crust.
Tilastotieteen opiskelua
Computational methods and mathematical modelling provide tools for describing, analysing, and understanding complex phenomena.

Our research is interdisciplinary, and its practical applications can be found in fields such as soil science and evolutionary biology. 

Some examples from the research: 

  • Mathematical analysis
  • Statistics and data science
  • Evolutionary and biodiversity research
  • Computational nanoscience
  • Theoretical particle physics

Multidisciplinary cooperation

The Faculty of Mathematics and Science collaborates actively both in Finland and internationally.
Tuomo Äkkinen
Tuomo Äkkinen is the Director of the Central Finland LUMA Centre

Science education and support for learning mathematics and statistics in a variety of ways is one of the goals. Collaboration in teaching and research generates new solutions to societal challenges.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is involved in several international networks and collaborates with various universities.

Our research and teaching in mathematics has an important societal impact. We seek cooperation related to teaching and research that can yield new solutions to societal challenges. If you have a proposal for a new cooperation idea, please get in touch!  

Cooperation with the Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Scientific expertise fosters future leaders, thinkers and problem solvers,” says Äkkinen. “If you are enthusiastic and can inspire others, you are welcome to join us and create new and exciting activities.
Tuomo Äkkinen, Director of the Central Finland LUMA Centre

Research from different disciplines

Research at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences has three areas of strength in research: Biological nanoscience, Evolutionary research and Sustainable use of natural resources.

Research at the Department of Chemistry

The diverse research interests at the Department of Chemistry are categorised into four Core Research Areas — Functional Molecules and Materials, Chemical Nanoscience, Circular Economy and Chemistry Education.

Research at the Department of Physics

Physics research aims at future technologies and products, for example by developing more sustainable materials.

Research at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics

With the mathematics and statistics, we visualize the present and predict the future. They are used to create recommendations and decisions to help society.

Research at the Nanoscience Center

Nanoscience Center (NSC) is an interdisciplinary research unit where physicists, chemists and biologists work together to study nature at the nanoscale.

JYU.Wisdom - School of Resource Wisdom

JYU.Wisdom is an open and transdisciplinary scientific community whose mission is to excel in the research and education of planetary well-being.