The main article presents the exciting history of the four-color theorem. It was the first major theorem in pure mathematics whose proof relied on a computer. Its development, the reactions it generated, and its long-term impact highlight the increasing relevance of research data in modern mathematics.
International Cooperative Research
The Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach (MFO, Oberwolfach Research Institute for Mathematics) is an international research centre situated in the German Black Forest. Leading experts from all over the world meet at the Institute in order to pursue their research activities, to discuss recent developments in their field with others, and to generate new ideas. The Institute is a member of the Leibniz Association and is funded jointly by the German federal government and the state governments. Read more about the Institute...
Information for Visitors
***From 15 July to 14 December 2024 Deutsche Bahn fundamentally overhauls the link between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim. There will be timetable changes and partly rail replacement services with buses. Please check the information and booking systems of Deutsche Bahn before you travel.***
***In order to prevent unexpected delays, we recommend all visitors who require a visa to enter Germany to apply for the visa immediately after receiving and accepting our invitation. In the recent past, there have been cases in which visa appointments have been taking longer than expected.***
Please also check our information for invited researchers regarding registration, check-in and check-out, travel information and further practical issues. We also provide an overview on the facilities you can use during your stay.
Propose & Apply
The scientific program of the MFO consists of six central programs: Workshops, Mini-Workshops, Seminars, Arbeitsgemeinschaft (study group), Oberwolfach Research Fellows, and Oberwolfach Leibniz Fellows.
Visitors who wish to combine an existing invitation to an Oberwolfach Workshop with a research visit to an European University may wish to apply for a Simons Visiting Professorship. Get a full overview on the Institute's scientific program...
For Early Career Researchers
Two out of the six main programs of the MFO address especially to junior researchers: Oberwolfach Seminars and Oberwolfach Leibniz Fellows. Early career researchers participating in other, weekly programs of the Institute can check if they are eligible for one of the grants covering travel expenses. Read more on how we can support early career researchers...
Oberwolfach Services
The MFO publishes summaries of all meetings in the series Oberwolfach Reports. The Oberwolfach Preprints mainly contain research results related to a longer stay in Oberwolfach. Snapshots of modern mathematics from Oberwolfach explain mathematical ideas in an accessible and understandable way for non-academic readers. The Library Catalogue provides information on books and printed journals available from the Institute's library. Scientists, lecturers, and science journalists may also find our online photo database helpful.
News
The book written by Albert Ai, Thomas Alazard, Mihaela Ifrim, and Daniel Tataru presents the lecture notes from the corresponding Oberwolfach Seminar given in fall 2022 at the MFO.
The newsletter will inform you on the latest news and activities of the MFO, in particular with regard to open calls and upcoming scientific events at the Institute.
The Mathematical Research Institute Oberwolfach (MFO), Germany and the Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences (RIMS), Kyoto University, Japan invite proposals for a Tandem-Workshop taking place simultaneously in a hybrid format at MFO and RIMS in the week 17-21 February 2025.
The MFO remembers James Harris Simons who passed away on May 10, 2024, as a generous supporter of mathematics, including the MFO.
Rock-paper-scissors, or pen-paper-compass ... What (else) does a researcher need? In the spring issue of the MaRDI Newsletter, you may follow the evolution of scientific tools that have changed the practice of research.