The last decade has seen a real dialogue develop between Mathematics and the Medical Sciences - to the extent that the importance of mathematical models in many branches of the medical sciences is now widely recognized and accepted. Throughout the sciences the right type of problems lead to the development of new mathematical techniques and methods which result in significant advances in the field. There are currently numerous examples of how the interaction of applied mathematicians and medical scientists has led to fruitful and significant advances which would have been difficult if not impossible for either group working independently to achieve.

The purpose of the Centre, as envisioned by the Directors, is threefold: firstly, the hope is that a Centre of this nature will help to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research in the medical sciences. Secondly, an important goal of the Centre will be to stimulate and engage a new generation of graduate students and young researchers (both medical practitioners/scientists and mathematical scientists) to work on problems arising in medicine. Thirdly, teaching will be a major component of the Centre's activities at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The intention is to coordinate teaching sessions, seminars and lectures - a monthly seminar series as well as annual symposia are planned.

This initiative will involve a combination of workshops, discussion meetings, collaborative health research projects, short and long term visitor programs - all designed to stimulate research both within Ontario and in collaboration with other research groups across Canada.