Prof. Deidre Haskell appointed Director of the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences

The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences is pleased to announce that Prof. Deirdre Haskell, currently serving as Interim Director, has been appointed Director of the Institute.  Prior to this appointment, Prof. Haskell held the position of Deputy Director since 2020.

Philip Siller, Chair of the Institute’s Board said: “After an extensive search process, the Institute is fortunate to have Prof. Haskell as its new Director. In addition to her scientific output, Prof. Haskell has proved herself to be an outstanding leader with a clear understanding of the Institute’s strategies in advancing mathematics research in Canada and abroad, bringing mathematics to bear on the key issues of the day, and enhancing mathematics education at all levels in Canada.

“I am delighted to take on the role of Director and look forward to steering the Fields Institute into the future,” said Prof. Haskell.

The Fields Institute has played an important role in Prof. Haskell’s life for almost three decades. She recalls bringing her daughter, then two months old, to a conference in 1997 where she delivered her first breakthrough paper. Her daughter and husband, former Fields Director Walter Craig, hung out in an office on the third floor while Prof. Haskell attended talks and presented her work. “That 80-page paper was followed by a 200-page book that really made my career,” she says.

When Prof. Haskell and her family moved to Canada from the US in 2000, the Fields Institute was a huge draw. While she taught at McMaster, Prof. Haskell attended numerous workshops and conferences at the Institute, achieving another career milestone in 2009 when another piece of work delivered during a Thematic Program became two long papers.

From 2012-2014, while her husband served as Fields Director, the Fields Institute became an even greater part of her life. “We used to joke that it’s the family business,” she says, noting that she and Craig are the only couple to both serve as Director.

The Fields Institute is committed to providing a supportive and rich environment for mathematics innovation and education. We promote collaboration between mathematicians and those working in other disciplines such as engineering, the physical and biological sciences, medicine, economics, finance, telecommunications and information systems.

Founded in 1992, the Fields Institute was initially located at the University of Waterloo. Since 1995, it has occupied a purpose-built building on the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto.

The Institute is internationally renowned for strengthening collaboration, innovation, and learning in mathematics and across a broad range of disciplines. Annual programming includes a full slate of long- and short-term events, such as specialized, six-month-long thematic programs, multi-day workshops and conferences, public lectures, recurring seminars, outreach activities, and start-up incubation. The Fields Institute promotes mathematical activity in Canada, helps to expand the application of mathematics in modern society, and makes mathematics accessible and engaging for all audiences.

Office space is provided for about 60 visiting members and for a number of incubated companies. A supportive staff enables program participants to devote most of their energies to research and visitors have access to most of the facilities at the University of Toronto.