The Rise Of Mathematics Discipline In New York University(From The 1930s To The 1960s)

In the first half of the 20 th century,the United States achieved a historical shift that replaced Europe as the new international academic center of mathematics.In this process,the mathematics discipline in New York University,especially the applied mathematics team at the core of Richard Courant played a crucial role.Under the leadership of Courant,New York University had quickly grown from a “mathematical desert” to a recognized “capital of applied mathematics” in just over 30 years.It's leading position in the field of applied mathematics in the United States and the world has continued nowadays.The rise of mathematics at New York University began in the 1930 s.Previously,New York University's mathematics discipline was lack of facilities,equipment were also in short supply and it was on the edge of the US and world.Starting from the coming of Courant to New York University in 1934,the lag in the development of mathematics discipline began to change by the end of the 1930 s.During this period,New York University initially set up a capable mathematics team,established a mathematics research center as a disciplinary development platform and introduced a new teaching model to improve the quality of personnel training.At the same time,they actively carry out academic research.These series of measures laid a good foundation for the rapid rise of mathematics at New York University.After the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941,the New York University's seized the historical opportunity of the US military's urgent need for applied mathematics.With the financial support from the US government and foundations,it vigorously expanded the scale of academic teams,strived to improve the academic level of teachers and actively develop applied mathematics research.At the same time,with the improvement of the disciplinary development environment and the frequent exchange of academics,the scale of the mathematics discipline of New York University has been continuously expanded,the academic level has been significantly improved,a large number of advanced mathematical research results have emerged rapidly,and many outstanding mathematics talents have been cultivated.By the 1960 s,New York University's academic influence in the field of international mathematics was widely recognized,it is worthy of the "application of mathematics capital".In 1930 s to 60 s,the rapid rise of mathematics at New York University benefited from the leadership of academic leaders and the construction of outstanding academic teams,the establishment of academic orientations with social needs,the opening of diversified channels of communication and cooperation and adequate material security.This historical experience is also very valuable for the first-class discipline of university construction in our country.