UGM Officially Opens CIMPA Research School 2025: Advancing Research in Algebra, Cryptography, and Number Theory

Yogyakarta, July 14, 2025 – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Department of Mathematics, officially opened the CIMPA Research School 2025 titled Arithmetic in Action: Number Theory and its Applications to Cryptography and Coding Theory. Taking place from July 14 to 25, 2025, at the FMIPA Building in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this international academic forum brings together early-career researchers, students, and mathematics educators to explore the growing relevance of number theory in real-world applications.

CIMPA Research School is one of the flagship programs of the Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées (CIMPA), a non-profit organization based in France that promotes mathematical research in developing countries. The 2025 edition in Yogyakarta highlights the powerful synergy between pure mathematics and its practical uses, particularly in the domains of cryptography and coding theory.

This year, the school welcomed participants from Indonesia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Türkiye, and Vietnam, and represented diverse fields including pure mathematics, computer science, information theory, cryptography, and engineering.

The opening ceremony began with a welcome video and a traditional Javanese dance performance-Tari Gambyong Pareanom-by the UGM Surakarta-style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS), offering a vibrant glimpse of Indonesia’s cultural heritage to international guests.

In his remarks, Uha Isnaini, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the local coordinator committee for CIMPA Research School 2025, emphasized how number theory has evolved into a key pillar in digital security and information infrastructure. “You are among the selected few from a very competitive pool,” he said. “We hope this school marks an important milestone in your academic journey.”

As executive director of CIMPA, Prof. Christophe Ritzenthaler from Université de Strasbourg, France, encouraged participants not only to attend lectures but also to make the most of the hands-on sessions. “The essence of CIMPA lies in active learning-don’t skip the tutorials or exercises,” he advised.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si., Dean of FMIPA UGM. In his speech, he welcomed guests to the city and reaffirmed UGM’s commitment as a host of global academic collaborations. “CIMPA provides a gateway for us to contribute significantly to the advancement of mathematics and science in Indonesia. Let this be a bridge for sharing knowledge and culture in Yogyakarta, a city known for its academic and cultural legacy,” he said.

CIMPA Research School 2025 features a distinguished international lineup of lecturers from institutions such as: Università Roma Tre (Italy), Université Clermont Auvergne (France),  Université Grenoble Alpes (France), Aix-Marseille Université (France), University of Copenhagen (Denmark), CNRS (France), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Université de Neuchâtel (Switzerland), Sorbonne Université (France), UIN Walisongo Semarang (Indonesia), and Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia).

The day concluded with vibrant discussions among participants and lecturers, reflecting a shared spirit of curiosity and collaboration. With a solid foundation in both theoretical and computational approaches, CIMPA Research School 2025 is set to be a transformative academic experience for all involved.

Keywords: CIMPA Research School, Number Theory, Cryptography

Author: Shafira Fauzia Untsa

Photo: Yehuda Dwi Yosafat