April 2, 2001–Wolfram Research is a title sponsor of the 42nd International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), an event that promotes the importance of mathematics education and celebrates the accomplishments of the world’s best and brightest students. The Olympiad, which brings together over 450 of the most talented high-school-age mathematicians from more than 80 countries, will be held this summer in Washington, D.C., with opening ceremonies on July 4, 2001.

“The mission of Wolfram Research is closely aligned with that of the math community in general and the math competition community in particular,” says Paul Wellin, Director of Corporate and Academic Affairs at Wolfram Research. “The Olympiad showcases the premier math students from around the world. Since Mathematica is the premier mathematical software, Wolfram Research has a keen interest in supporting such an event.” The IMO was last held in the U.S. in 1981 before Mathematica was created.

This year, Mathematica is the official mathematical software of the event, and each IMO student participant will receive a copy of Mathematica for Students 4.1, courtesy of Wolfram Research. During the Olympiad, several Mathematica-based talks will be given to audiences of about five hundred people each. The presentations will relate to this year’s IMO theme: “Math Expands Horizons.” Students and country leaders will also be able to experience Mathematica firsthand in the university and hotel computer labs that will be open throughout the event.

The IMO culminates with the awards banquet and closing ceremonies on July 13 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Several dignitaries from the federal government are expected to attend the closing ceremonies, including representatives from Congress, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and the White House.