Mathrice: 25 years of solidarity in IT services

How would you briefly describe Mathrice?

• Mathrice is a professional network that mainly brings together system and network administrators, but also scientific computing engineers and a few researchers from mathematics laboratories. It includes everyone who works with IT tools in laboratories. The aim is to discuss common issues, share feedback and advice, and move forward together.
• Mathrice provides the Online Platform for Mathematics (PLM), a set of digital services for the mathematics research community.

What about Mathrice correspondents?

The Mathrice professional network is intended for those who manage the IT department of a mathematics laboratory. In order for research teams to benefit from the digital services of the PLM, there must be correspondents in the laboratory. There are two types of correspondents:

• Directory: he or she updates a list of laboratory members for display in the mathematics community directory;
• PLM: he or she manages account assignments so that researchers can take advantage of PLM services, access to the digital library, and other services subscribed to by the assigned laboratory.

When a laboratory welcomes new IT staff, they introduce themselves on the mailing list where all members of the network are registered. In addition, this person is often the Mathrice correspondent (directory or PLM) for their laboratory, but this is not always the case.

What contributes to the success of PLM?

Its organization, based on a collective approach and the strong sense of community that is very present in mathematical research. This is what makes it possible to maintain the directory, ensure cohesion among mathematicians, and provide local support to laboratory members.

• The emath directory is compiled from information collected daily from laboratory members, as well as from networks and host teams that welcome mathematicians. It is one of the pillars that makes it possible to use the digital services managed jointly on the PLM. This nationwide community organization is unique, based on the commitment of correspondents dedicated to this mission in each of the units linked to the Insmi.
• Mathriciennes and mathriciens, correspondents, know each other, meet, and help each other thanks to the support of the mathematical community and the Insmi, which helps maintain the quality of this organization, providing fertile ground for collaboration and innovative ideas.

What are the differences between Mathrice meetings and ANFs?

• Actions Nationales de Formations (ANFs) last one week and deal with a subject in depth. They are recognized as training courses, and a certificate is issued at the end of the training. The subject is discussed within the network to determine which topics to address. A team is formed to organize the training and define the program. Every two years, the RT Mathrice submits a request through the Insmi, represented by the training officer during the CNRS campaign. ANFs are generally hosted at Cirm.
• The Mathrice Days, or Mathrice meetings, take place twice a year, over three days, in a different mathematics laboratory each time. The host laboratory communicates with the network about the event, issues a call for proposals (presentations, technology watch, feedback, etc.) and then co-constructs the program with the help of the Mathrice management.

The organization seems well-established and communication flows smoothly!

Henri M.: "The network is 25 years old: we are indeed well-established in all aspects of the network's life and meetings. By meeting twice a year, we have achieved a certain fluidity. At each session, we try to bring a little innovation and new ideas to the table, which we also discuss when renewing the project or in the Mathrice days preparation committee. It's a network where we communicate a lot!" “

Sandrine L.: ”The PLM management and national technical team are in contact almost daily. The days are also there so that people who don't always have the opportunity to meet can be there, discuss common topics, and stay in touch throughout the year."

Was this the case from the very beginning of the network?

Sandrine L.: “One of the founding aspects of the network is that, from the outset, everything was structured and structuring. Everything that was decided at the time of its creation already had this structure.”

Henri M.: “Then we adapted: changes in our professions, in the laboratories, in research..."

Essential institutional support

Henri M.: "Support from INSMI management is important because there needs to be a strong message to unit directors emphasizing the importance of involving laboratory members in Mathrice. At the very least, this needs to be accepted. Of course, financial support must also be considered. But what is even more important, in my opinion, is institutional support. This support has varied depending on the management team, with some being more aware of the importance of communicating these messages to the unit directors, especially since the pace of change in laboratory management can be quite rapid. So now, for example, when a technical staff position in a mathematics laboratory opens up or becomes available, participation in Mathrice is included in the job description and is effective.“

Sandrine L.: ”We realize that successive Insmi management teams are always present when Mathrice events are organized. Indissoluble links have been created. And for us, as technical staff, this is extremely important. On a personal level, in my interactions with teachers and researchers, and with laboratory management, I feel their appreciation for our involvement and contributions to Mathrice."

Do you plan to stay with the network for a long time?

Sandrine L.: “Yes, definitely. It's a very important part of my work, and I intend to continue. I really see the benefits for the network and for the lab: it's a win-win situation!”

Henri M.: "I would say the same. The benefits for the network, the benefits for the laboratory... The benefits for me, too. On the few occasions when I think about working elsewhere, in another laboratory or another organization, for example... The fact that Mathrice exists and that I have the opportunity to be involved in Mathrice greatly tips the balance in favor of my current position. It's a very important factor!"

The anniversary will be celebrated on December 3, 2025. What part of the program are you most looking forward to?

Sandrine L.: “A group of young colleagues has come together to organize a celebration at the end of the afternoon, which I think is very exciting.”

Henri M.: "The older members are obviously convinced of the usefulness of the RT, what we can get out of it and what we can contribute. The concern is that it should also be useful to new members, that the network should continue to exist after we are gone and continue to offer as much to its members. The fact that it is young volunteers who are organizing this celebration is really the most exciting thing."