The FMJH’s relationship with the business sector has been built on the close ties forged with its long-standing patron, EDF, which supports the FMJH in its efforts to stimulate and organise research and training in the key mathematical field of optimisation. In 2012, these efforts culminated in the creation of a dedicated Master’s programme, spearheaded by the FMJH, as well as the launch of a dedicated thematic research programme entitled PGMO which has been generously supported by EDF since its inception. .
The existence of PGMO and its calls for proposals has fostered numerous and wide-ranging collaborations between academic researchers at the Paris-Saclay Campus, as well as far beyond, both in France and abroad. Another positive knock-on effect has become apparent over time. It has transpired that most of the postdocs recruited into academic laboratories through projects selected under PGMO calls for proposals have subsequently found opportunities in non-academic research.
In other words, this programme has had an impact – albeit modest in terms of the number of individuals involved – but significant given the difficulty that holders of a PhD in academic mathematics face in moving into the private sector.
It was largely with a view to broadening this latter issue – without restricting it solely to the thematic field of optimisation and its applications in data science – that the FMJH decided in 2021 to evolve its sponsorship program and create a Strategic think tank.
Comprising representatives from the socio-economic sector, this think tank helps the FMJH to develop relevant initiatives aimed at bringing doctoral students and PhD graduates closer to the business world. It thus plays a part in shaping the development of the MathTech program, which is precisely its aim. It also enables current and potential sponsors to be involved in the FMJH’s discussions on its initiatives to foster closer links between mathematics and business on the Paris-Saclay Campus, as well as in Maths/Company events that the FMJH supports or organizes.