Why mSPACE

Advancing Europe’s Scientific Foundations

Europe faces complex challenges, from climate change to energy storage, that require powerful mathematical tools to solve. mSPACE brings together six proven mathematical methods to create better models and solutions: unified toolkit across spectral geometry, gradient flows, stochastic methods, networks, discrete analysis, and optimal transport.

Making Cleaner Technology Work Better

mSPACE action can help improve the batteries in electric cars, design better transport systems, and create more efficient energy storage. By understanding how materials work at the smallest level, we can make technologies that last longer, work better, and help Europe become carbon-neutral by 2050.

Connecting Europe’s Best Minds

mSPACE brings together researchers from across Europe, provides training for young scientists, and ensures equal opportunities for everyone. This creates a strong network where knowledge flows freely between countries and institutions, making Europe a world leader in mathematical science and sustainable technology.

Solving Complex Systems Through Mathematical Excellence

A European COST Action connecting leading researchers to solve multiscale challenges in science and technology.

Where Mathematics Meets Materials Innovation

Mathematical Innovation

WG1–WG4 run joint studies developing new spectral operator estimates, gradient flow algorithms, stochastic geometry models, and homogenisation schemes.

Focused Innovative Sessions (FIS) convene 4–5 experts quarterly to prototype cross-cutting methods (e.g., discrete-to-continuum convergence studies).

Theory-to-Practice

Six major workshops bring together mathematicians and materials scientists to apply spectral methods to nanoporous battery design.

Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) fund over a dozen early-career exchanges each year, placing young researchers in labs working on real-world transport network optimisation.

Building Research Capacity

Two intensive Training Schools in Years 2 and 3 teach hands-on use of optimal transport in energy storage simulations.

Annual meetings and an ECM Bologna 2028 special session ensure dissemination of open-access preprints and allow PhD students to showcase results, forging lasting industry partnerships.

Why mSPACE is unique?

Equal Opportunity & Geographic Balance
mSPACE ensures at least 50% female representation and actively recruits junior researchers and participants from underrepresented regions. This focus on diversity and regional inclusiveness strengthens Europe’s research ecosystem beyond established centres.
Non-Academic Collaboration & Innovation Hubs
The Action proactively connects academic teams with industry partners, startups, and policy-makers, fostering spin-off opportunities and accelerating the translation of mathematical models into commercial and regulatory applications in the green economy.
Educational Outreach & Science Communication
Through COST’s science communication programmes, including an AI-powered chatbot, school engagement visits, and an Artist-in-Itinerance multimedia series, mSPACE brings complex mathematical concepts to broader audiences, nurturing public interest and future talent in STEM.

Additional Activities

Open Science and Publications
All project outputs follow open-access policies, with preprints on arXiv/HAL and data/software shared publicly. This commitment accelerates reproducibility and broad community uptake.
Digital Research Tools
An AI-driven chatbot supports real-time queries about mSPACE methods and findings, enhancing accessibility for researchers, educators, and industry users.