CH 50: Internet Cred Worth Paying Attention to
DARPA, which stands for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is part of the Department of Defense that is responsible for the development of new technologies that can be used by the military. It was originally formed in 1958 when it became clear through the launching of the space shuttle Sputnik by the then USSR that our competition could rapidly harness military technology to great effect. DARPA later was largely credited with help ushering in the development of the Internet. It is not terribly surprising then that DARPA is seeking innovative research proposals with the small goal of "dramatically revolutionizing mathematics". Specifically, DARPA had identified 23 mathematical challenges that have the potential to be profound mathematical breakthroughs.
Let's consider a few of the most interesting. Challenge One is to build a mathematical theory that can successfully build a functional brain, not using biological constructs mind you but pure mathematics to recreate the brain. Challenge Nine is trying to determine whether we can build novel materials using breakthroughs in our understanding of three dimensions. Challenge Twelve is about using mathematics to understand and control the strangeness of the quantum world. Challenge Twenty Three is to determine the fundamental Laws of Biology, something that would likely involve determining the mathematics for other challenges first, like Challenge One.
Based on these challenges and its illustrious track record, I surmise it a safe bet that DARPA will continue to be at the forefront of progress and mathematics in the 21st century.
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