Andreas Matt
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum has a single purpose: To provide some of the brightest minds in mathematics and computer science with the space and time to make connections and find inspiration. The HLFF Spotlight series shines a light on some of the brilliant individuals attending the event.
Andreas Matt is director and co-founder of IMAGINARY. He received his PhD in Mathematics in the field of Machine Learning and has 20 years of experience in interactive mathematics communication.
What is your organization IMAGINARY and what kind of work do you do?
IMAGINARY is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating new interactive ways of exploring mathematics, artificial intelligence and other sciences. We develop openly licensed and interactive exhibits, exhibitions and other formats to engage the general public and to connect it to current research. Additionally, we offer a platform for open and interactive mathematics with a variety of content that can be used in schools, at home, in museums or for events and media activities (more info at about.imaginary.org).
My work includes extensive communication, planning, finances, administration, creative concept work for new exhibits and on-site visits to museums or conferences.
Why did you originally found IMAGINARY and why is the work that IMAGINARY is doing so important for the public?
The foundation was a step-by-step process. It started with a one-country traveling exhibition in 2007 as a project by the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach. The exhibition then extended to more countries (more than 80 by now), new content was added and new exhibitions were created. We also started a new math museum and collaborated with international science centers, until we established our own non-profit organization in 2016 and ventured into many new fields and formats. The open (license) and collaborative approach is what is so important. We try to always work together with the public, thus breaking classic communication hierarchies.
What do you enjoy most about attending the Heidelberg Laureate Forum every year?
I enjoy the mix of a unique atmosphere (the warm welcoming atmosphere by the HLF team, the curious and open participants and the beautiful city of Heidelberg) and the many inspirations when listening or talking to others, when meeting new people (I knew only by email or name before) or friends from the mathematics research and communication world. I also love the many traditions at the HLF, and the surprises each year.
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