Conference: Linear Algebra on the Blue Ridge: Panoramas of Theory and Application (LABR)

About This Grant

Support will be provided for 12 or more US-based early-career scientists and graduate students to attend the 2026 International Linear Algebra Society Conference, May 18 - 22, 2026 at Virginia Tech. Linear algebra serves as the foundation for many exciting innovations in data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence, quantum information science, computer science, and engineering. This international conference brings together experts from across the world. Hence, it provides an excellent networking opportunity for young US scientists, introduces them to the frontier of linear algebra and its applications, and helps them develop important collaborations. Preparing the next generation of US-based linear algebra experts to make important contributions in linear algebra theory and computational methods, and their real-world applications in artificial intelligence, cyber-security, and quantum computing, is essential to US scientific preeminence and will have a lasting impact on US economic competitiveness, welfare, and national security. Efficient and reliable computation in high-dimensional linear and multilinear algebra lies at the core of modern science and engineering, underpinning advances in modeling, simulation, optimization, and control, and sustaining a wide range of scientific and technological advances, ranging from engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, to cryptography, and quantum computing. For the 2026 ILAS conference, the organizers aim to maintain a strong balance between theoretical developments, algorithmic innovation, computational applications, and linear algebra education. The participation of a substantial contingent of highly talented early-career linear algebra researchers will strengthen the breadth and vitality of the linear algebra community and reinforce the continued leadership of the United States in this foundational field, which is vital to US economic competitiveness and national security. The conference features several mechanisms that support the participation and research careers of young US-based linear algebra scientists, such as low registration fees, a mentoring panel, excellent networking opportunities, and additional funding support for US-based early-career scientists and graduate students. The conference (i) advances workforce development by engaging Ph.D. students and early-career scientists in discussions and presentations of state-of-the-art research in linear algebra and its applications and by providing mentorship and increased visibility within the community, (ii) strengthens undergraduate education by providing educators with opportunities to interact with leading linear algebra researchers, (iii) stimulates new ideas for NSF and industry supported research collaborations, and encourages partnerships between academia, industry, and government, and (iv) increases US economic competitiveness by strengthening continued US leadership in this foundational field. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.