Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations are of fundamental importance in mathematics and although major progress in their study has recently been achieved, many profound challenges remain. Developments are motivated not only by advances in pure and applied mathematics but also by new issues in the physical and biological sciences and many other applied disciplines. Themes of the meeting emphasised the importance of partial differential equations in several applied fields including continuum mechanics, microstructure, biology and the dynamics of domain growth.
An important common aspect was the determination of conditions that ensure the equations possess properties that reasonably reflect the expected behaviour of the corresponding physical and other processes. Consequently, investigation of existence, uniqueness and continuous data dependence formed adjunct themes.
During the meeting we celebrated Professor Robin Knops’ 80th birthday. Robin was instrumental in establishing the research reputation of the Heriot-Watt Department of Mathematics.
