Organization & Leadership

Tara Brendle is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Glasgow, where she has also served as Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Her research focuses on the interplay between algebra and topology, particularly mapping class groups of surfaces, braid groups, and their connections to arithmetic groups and low-dimensional topology.

She has published extensively in leading journals including the Journal of the American Mathematical Society, Inventiones Mathematicae, and Geometry & Topology. Her work with Dan Margalit on normal subgroups of mapping class groups resolved long-standing conjectures in the field. As a member of the LSC Scientific Advisory Board, she provides strategic guidance on the Center's research directions in algebra and topology.

Roland Speicher is Professor of Mathematics at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany, and one of the world's leading experts in free probability theory. His foundational work on free cumulants and combinatorial approaches to free probability has shaped the field since the 1990s, building on Dan-Virgil Voiculescu's pioneering framework.

His research connects probability theory, operator algebras, random matrix theory, and combinatorics in profound ways. From 2014 to 2019, he held an ERC Advanced Grant for research on 'Non-Commutative Distributions in Free Probability.' He has authored influential textbooks and trained numerous doctoral students who now hold positions worldwide. His expertise in the algebraic structures underlying probability theory aligns closely with LSC's mission.

Sandra Di Rocco is Professor of Mathematics and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Her research in algebraic geometry focuses on toric geometry, projective varieties, and the mathematical foundations of shape description—work that bridges pure mathematics with applications in data science and geometric modeling.

She has collaborated extensively with researchers including Alicia Dickenstein and Ragni Piene on higher-order duality and toric embeddings. Her position at KTH, one of Europe's leading technical universities, and her administrative leadership as Dean give her unique insight into connecting mathematical research with engineering applications. She brings both mathematical depth and institutional perspective to LSC's Scientific Advisory Board.

Jesús-María Sanz-Serna is Professor of Applied Mathematics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and a pioneer in the field of geometric numerical integration. His foundational work on symplectic integrators—numerical methods that preserve the geometric structure of Hamiltonian systems—has influenced computational physics, molecular dynamics, and celestial mechanics worldwide.

His 1994 book 'Numerical Hamiltonian Problems' (with M.P. Calvo) remains a standard reference in the field. He has served as President of SEMA (the Spanish Society for Applied Mathematics) and on numerous international scientific committees. His expertise in structure-preserving numerical methods directly connects to LSC's core research themes in geometric numerical integration.

Nathalie Wahl is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Copenhagen and Director of the Copenhagen Centre for Geometry and Topology (GeoTop). Her research in algebraic and geometric topology focuses on moduli spaces, homological stability, and the interplay between algebra and topology—themes central to modern homotopy theory.

She has been recognized with an ERC Consolidator Grant and serves on editorial boards of leading topology journals. Her leadership of GeoTop, a major Nordic research center, gives her deep understanding of how to build successful mathematical research communities. Her advisory role helps LSC connect with the vibrant Scandinavian topology community and benefit from Copenhagen's research infrastructure.

Felipe Cucker is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at City University of Hong Kong and Chair of FoCM (Foundations of Computational Mathematics). He is a leading figure in the mathematical foundations of computation, with research spanning complexity theory, numerical analysis, and the emerging field of computational mathematics that studies what can be computed and at what cost.

His influential work with Steve Smale on condition numbers and the complexity of numerical algorithms bridges theoretical computer science and numerical analysis. He co-authored 'Condition' (2013), a landmark treatise on the role of conditioning in computational mathematics. His perspective on the computational complexity of mathematical problems brings essential foundations expertise to LSC's mission of connecting algebra, geometry, and computation.

Lise Øvreås is Professor of Microbiology at the University of Bergen, where she has held significant leadership positions in Norwegian science policy. She has served as President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters since 2022, succeeding Hans-Petter Graver, and has been instrumental in shaping national research strategy.

Her expertise in research leadership and science policy provides invaluable governance perspective to the Lie–Størmer Center's Board of Directors. She brings experience from multiple scientific advisory boards and committees, helping ensure LSC maintains strong connections to Norwegian research infrastructure and funding bodies.

Helge Holden is Professor of Mathematics at NTNU and one of Norway's most influential mathematicians in research administration. He served as Secretary General of the International Mathematical Union from 2015 to 2022 and currently chairs the Abel Prize Committee (2022-2026), bringing global perspective to Norwegian mathematics.

His research focuses on partial differential equations, particularly nonlinear wave equations and conservation laws. Together with Ragni Piene, he has edited the definitive volumes on Abel Prize laureates, documenting the achievements of the world's most distinguished mathematicians. His strategic vision and international network make him an essential voice on LSC's Board of Directors.

Ragni Piene is Professor Emerita at the University of Oslo and one of Norway's most distinguished mathematicians. Her research in algebraic geometry—particularly enumerative geometry, polar varieties, toric varieties, and curve counting—has earned international recognition over five decades. She received her PhD from MIT in 1976 and has held visiting positions at leading institutions including IHES, MSRI, and Institut Mittag-Leffler.

She chaired the Scientific Council of the Fondation Mathématique Jacques Hadamard (2020–2024) and serves on the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation Council. Together with Helge Holden, she has edited the definitive Abel Prize volumes documenting the laureates' mathematical achievements. Her extensive experience in Norwegian and international mathematics governance makes her an invaluable member of LSC's Board of Directors.

Jon Erik Reinhardsen is Chair of the Board at Equinor, one of the world's largest energy companies, and brings extensive experience in technology-driven industry leadership to LSC's Board of Directors. His career spans senior positions in the Norwegian energy sector, where mathematical modeling and computational methods are essential for operations ranging from reservoir simulation to renewable energy optimization.

His perspective on how advanced mathematics enables industrial innovation helps LSC articulate the practical value of fundamental research. He contributes strategic vision for connecting mathematical research with Norway's technology sector and helps ensure LSC's work remains relevant to societal needs while maintaining its focus on foundational research excellence.

Camilla Brekke was appointed Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute in September 2023, becoming the institute's first female director in its history. She previously served as Pro-Rector for Research and Development at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway (2021–2023) and continues to hold the title of Professor in Remote Sensing at UiT's Department of Physics and Technology.

Professor Brekke's research focuses on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ocean colour remote sensing for Arctic and marine applications, with work on sea ice monitoring, oil spill detection, and iceberg tracking. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oslo in 2008 and has held visiting positions at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her leadership at the Norwegian Polar Institute addresses critical challenges of climate change and Arctic research, bringing essential polar science perspective to LSC's Board of Directors.