History

Foundation of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics (IPhM)

• Mathematical sector (MS) that has grown into the present Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies. The Head of the sector was Dr. Jonas Kubilius. He also was a deputy director for scientific matters of the institute.
• Theoretical Physics sector (head Prof. A.Jucys) has developed into 2 institutes - the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy and the Institute of Physics.
• Semiconductor laboratory (head Prof. Povilas Brazdžiūnas) that has grown into the Institute of Semiconductor Physics.

Acad. Adolfas Jucys

Petras Česnulevičius

Acad. Dr. Jonas Kubilius

Acad. Povilas Brazdžiūnas

Dr. Vytautas Statulevičius becomes the head of the Mathematical sector (MS).

The building of the Computer Centre (CC) was started in Vilnius, Lentpjuvių st. 7 (now A. Gostauto st. 12).
Director of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Academician Adolfas Jucys put much effort to acquire and use computing equipment. There were some preparations to acquire an electronic computing machine.

Dr. Kostas ŽukauskasThe Electronic Computing Machine laboratory (ECML) was established, headed by Dr. Kostas Žukauskas.
Since 1955 Acad. Adolfas Jucys has been looking for scientific institutions that could prepare specialists for Lithuania to work in the fields of computer science. In the spring of 1957, physicists-theoreticians Ivanas Glembockis and Kostas Žukauskas left for the Computer Centre of the USSR Academy of Sciences to work on probation there. K. Žukauskas was studying the structure of electronic computing machines. Later on, Kostas Žukauskas explored the structure of a computing machine BESM at the Institute of Fine Mechanics and Computing Technique of the USSR Academy of Sciences as well as the structure of a specialized analog-code converter at the Institute of Engineer Physics (Moscow). Later on, the knowledge was applied in designing an analog-code converter for the electronic computing machine BESM-2M of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

The first large-scale electronic computing machine BESM-2M was put into action.

The RAM of BESM was 2047 words by 39 bits each, it had two magnetic drums (MD) with 12290 words in each, and two devices of magnetic tapes containing 131000 words each. The computer consisted of 3000 electronic lamps and 10000 diodes, and it consumed 43 KW of electric power. Computation algorithms were written (programmed) in computer codes. Only 50% of its work time was effective, and the rest time was spared for fault avoidance and repairs.

The Computational Mathematics sector (CMS) was set up, headed by Dr. Vilius Matulis.
The establishment of this sector reflected a new qualitative jump in the history of IPhM as well as of the whole Lithuanian Academy of Sciences: the beginning of computation technology science research (presently-informatics). 

Prof. Juras Požela was elected director of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics (IPhM).

The Technical Cybernetics sector (TCS) was established. Head Dr. Kostas Žukauskas.
Jonas Petkevičius was appointed the head of The Electronic Computing Machine Laboratory (ECML).
Dr. Eduardas Vilkas was appointed the head of the Computational Mathematics sector (CMS). This was due to the reorganization of CMS:

• A group of employees working in mathematical logic and algorithms and programming theory were transferred to the Mathematical Logic and Programming Sector (MLPS).
• The rest of the staff was joined by another group of gaming theory workers.

The Mathematical Logic and Programming sector (MLPS) was set up. Dr. Vilius Matulis became the head of the MLPS.

Jonas Petkevičius

Dr. Eduardas Vilkas

The Mathematical sector (MS) was named a Probability Theory sector (PTS). Dr. V.Statulevičius remained its head. This name could better reflect the scientific research trends of the Mathematical sector because other trends of mathematical science were intensively developing in new mathematical subdivisions - Computational Math Sector (CMS) and Mathematical Logic and Programming Sector (MLPS).

The building of IPhM was accomplished on the K. Požėlos 54 st. (now Goštauto 12 st.) in Vilnius.

The Recognition Processes sector (RPS) was established. Head Dr. Laimutis Telksnys.
At that time, there emerged a pressing necessity for Lithuanian Science not to stand aloof from the rapidly developing control problems science in the world and to begin systematic research of cybernetic problems.
The germs of these researches that had formed at the institute in connection with computer technique reliability problems have already become insufficient. Therefore a leading designer of the Vilnius Computing machine plant Laimutis Telksnys was invited to the Institute. A group of employees came here together with him. They made a basis for a new sector. Since that time, along with the trends of mathematical and physical sciences, the scientific research of a third trend-cybernetics-has began rapidly developing.

The Presidium of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences adopts a resolution on the reorganization of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics (IPhM).
This is the first reorganization of IPhM.

Among the research on the physical profile of IPhM, the trend of experimental semiconductor physics stood out vividly, in which, thanks to the talent and organizational efforts of the then director Juras Požėla, an original school shoots up with ponderable scientific achievements and highly qualified scientific staff. That is why the new institute - SPhI - has been originated based on semiconductor physics subdivisions.

Vytautas Statulevičius becomes the director of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics (IPhM). Dr. Laimutis Telksnys, Dr. Mifodijus Sapagovas, and Prof. Boleslovas Styro are deputy directors.
After separating the Semiconductor Physics Institute (SPhI) from the IPhM, the latter included the subdivisions only of mathematical and cybernetics profile, Computing Center, the subdivisions of theoretical physics, and Department of Nuclear Physics and Radioactive isotopes. 
During the reorganization of the Institute, changes were made to the structure of the Institute:

• Vytautas Liesis was appointed the chief of The Electronic Computing Machine Laboratory (ECML)
• The Mathematical Logic and Programming sector (MLPS) was renamed the Mathematical Logic and Algorithm Theory sector (MLATS). Vilius Matulis remained its head. After transferring the programming and problem-solving work to the MLATS, the new title better reflected the research work trend, pursued in the sector.

New sectors were established:

• The Numerical Analysis Sector (NAS). Dr. Mifodijus Sapagovas was nominated as its head.
• The Operations Research Sector (ORS). Dr. Eduardas Vilkas was nominated as its head. 
• The Programming and Problem Solving Sector (PPSS). Dr. Bronius Kvedaras became its head.
• The Laboratory of Perforated Computing Machines (LPCM). Jonas Algis Petkevičius was appointed head of the laboratory. 

Dr. Mifodijus Sapagovas

Dr. Eduardas Vilkas

Dr. Bronius Kvedaras

Jonas Algis Petkevičius

The BESM-4 computer was put into action. Engineer Antanas Čeida was appointed the head of the machine maintenance crew.

This computer was much more reliable and powerful than BESM-2M: its memory was 4000 words with 45 bits each, Magnetic Discs (MD) with 64000 words, and 4 Magnetic Tapes (MT). Its speed was 2000 commands per second. Programming was performed by machine codes; later the programming language ALGOL-60 was implemented.

Boleslovas Binkauskas was appointed the head of The Electronic Computing Machine Laboratory (ECML). Vytautas Liesis becomes the chief of the computer BESM-2M maintenance crew. 

Vytautas Liesis

Dr. Boleslovas Binkauskas

The Optimal Solution Theory Sector (OSTS) was set up. Its head was Prof. Dr. Jonas Mockus.
To establish more favorable conditions for a new trend of scientific research - optimization methods of multiextremal functions - Presidium of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences has decided to move a part of the Extremal Problem Laboratory researchers (headed by Jonas Mockus) of the Institute of Physical-Technical Power Problems in Kaunas to the Institute of Physics and Mathematics. They comprised the Optimal Solution Theory Sector.
The Software Sector (SS) was established. Dr. Pranas Rumšas was nominated as its head. 
A group of specialists has successfully worked at the PPSS for a long time. They took care of the software assimilation, handling, and maintenance for "EC" - series computers. Namely, these people comprised the basis of the new sector and they were entrusted with the creation, adaptation, and exploitation of computer software.
The Algorithms and Software Foundation (ASF) was founded in MSS (head Vilma Dragūnienė).

Prof. Dr. Jonas Mockus

Dr. Pranas Rumšas

Vilma Dragūnienė

The Mathematical Statistics Sector (MSS) was established. Prof. Bronius Grigelionis was its head.
After the qualified staff have considerably grown in number and the scientific research topics expanded, the MSS was set up based on the Probability Theory Sector. 

Gediminas Baguška started to work as deputy director for economic affairs.

The second ESM BESM-6 is launched.
Like the first one, it was serviced by a team led by P. Šulcas.
The two computing machines were interconnected and shared resources. This greatly increased the efficiency of problem-solving.
In 1992 both computers BESM-6 were disconnected.

Established The Information and Patent Sector (IPS). Head of Sector – Dr. Jonas Masiulis.
The establishment of the Unit was motivated by the need to better provide scientific information to the Institute's staff and by the rapid development of the invention. At that time, up to 50 applications for inventions were submitted annually by the staff of the Institute, and about two-thirds of these applications were accepted and granted a copyright.

The second reorganization of the IPhM
The rapid expansion of the IPhM research directions and problems, the growth of its technical material base in computing, cybernetics, astronomy, and experimental physics, and a large number of highly qualified, but quite differently profiled, researchers made the Institute too universal, a kind of small academy. At the end of 1976, the Institute had more than 600 employees, including 10 PhDs, more than 120 PhD candidates, and 47 postgraduate students.

However, neither too narrow a specialization nor too broad a universality is conducive to effective research. This has led to the reorganization of the IPhM.

The Institute of Physics and Mathematics splits into two institutes:
• Institute of Mathematics and Cybernetics (IMC). Prof. Dr. V. Statulevičius is appointed director of the Institute. The deputy directors are Prof. Laimutis Telksnys (Science), Prof. Mifodijus Sapagovas (Computing Centre), and Gediminas Baguška (Economic Affairs).

Prof. Dr. Vytautas Statulevičius

Prof. Laimutis Telksnys

Prof. Mifodijus Sapagovas

Gediminas Baguška

• Institute of Physics. J. Viščakas is appointed director of the Institute.
During the reorganization,n the number of laboratories and sectors of mathematical and cybernetic trends in IMC has not changed. However, a more rapid reformation of the Institute, about the new tasks, posed on it, to render more particular support to the Republican economy, required a respective reorganization of subdivisions. Two major scientific research trends were confirmed for the Institute of Mathematics and Cybernetics during the reorganization which concurrently was the profiling trends at the Lithuanian SSR Academy of Sciences. These were:
1) Probability theory and its application in solving control problems;
2) Computerization of scientific research
These trends encompassed all the scientific topics that in the former Institute of Physics and Mathematics were attributed to the profile of mathematics and cybernetics.

The Management Systems sector was established (MSS) was established. The header – Dr. Antanas Baskas. 

The Technical Cybernetics sector (TCS) was renamed the Reliability Theory sector (RTS), headed by Kostas Žukauskas.

The Technological Processes Control sector (TPCS) was set up. Dr. Celestinas Paulauskas has been appointed it's head.
With the growth of the Recognition Processes Sector and extension of its topics, a part of scientific researchers who pursued process control research was isolated into several Technological Process Control Sector. 

The Republican Extramural School for Young Programmers is launched.
The organizer of the school and its first head was Dr. Gintautas Grigas.

The Systems Programming Sector (SPS) was set up. Dr. Gintautas Grigas was appointed it's chief.
The sector was a constituent part of the Mathematical Logic and Algorithm Theory department (MLATD). It was the first sector set up in the department of the new status.

The Data Analysis Department (DAD) was established, headed by Dr. Sarūnas Raudys.
This department is separated from that the Recognition Processes Department.

Dr. Stasys Skėrus is elected as the Scientific Secretary of the Institute.
The electronic computer ESM ES-1045 was set into operation. Engineer Bronius Samuolis was appointed as the chief of its service group.

Dr. Stasys Skėrus

The Computational Management Laboratory (CML) is set up. Dr. Gediminas Veiveris has been appointed it's head.
The laboratory was given the task of managing the computational process for batch (non-remote) problems, from order acceptance to the release of results.
The System Programming Sector (SPS) was reorganized into an independent System Programming Department (SPD). It is in charge of the software for a new type of computing machine, the ES-1045. Dr. Gintautas Grigas was retained as head of the department.

Dr. Gediminas Veiveris

Experimental Factory for Computing Devices and Software "Bitas" is set up. Dr. Juozas Zalatorius is the director of the factory.

The Institute of Mathematics and Cybernetics was moved to the new premises on Academijos st. 4, Vilnius.
The start of exploitation of a powerful computer complex ELBRUS-1-K2. Engineer Viktoras Veitas was nominated as the chief of its service group.

The multiuser system MOKSLAS was developed.
The system was created by both available electronic computers BESM-6 connecting. The system functioned under the control of a single operating system and used common disk space. Videoton-340 monitors were used as terminals. The system was operating round the clock, it had a memory of 19200 words (with 50 bits each), 24 replaceable MB with 512000 words each, and 20 magnetic tapes. Terminals were connected by telephone lines not only in Vilnius but also in other towns. 6 programs were solved at a time, and 10 terminals worked. ALGOL-60, FORTRAN IV, LISP, and Assembler programming languages were used. The KRAB system was the controlling one. 25 organizations were joined.
In 1987, the system MOKSLAS consisted of: 2 BESM-6, 1 ES-1045, 1 ELBRUS-1-K2 computers, and 115 terminals.

The new Computing Centre building is put into operation.
The new building has a floor area of 5068 m2. At the time, the ELBRUS-1-K2 computing complex was already installed.
Later, the building was home to the company BALTIC AMADEUS and TEV.

Institute of Mathematic and Cybernetics acquired the first IBM personal computers.
A new and qualitatively era of computerization of the Institute has begun.

The Applied Statistics Department (ASD) was established, headed by Dr. Raimundas Bentkus.

LITNET, a computer network for Lithuanian research and study institutions based on TCP/IP technology, is created.
Both BESM-6 are switched off.

Habil. Dr. Rimantas Rudzkis has been appointed as the new head of The Applied Statistics Department (ASD).

The Computing Machinery and Software Experimental Production department was abolished.
The Process Control Department is reorganised into the Process Control Group. Prof. Kazys Kazlauskas has been appointed head of the group.

The System Programming Department has been renamed the Programming Methodology Department. Dr. G. Grigas is appointed Head of the Department.

The Software Engineering Department was reorganized into the Group of Computer Support of Publication. Genė Masiulienė besame its head. The name was later changed to Computer Publishing Group.
The Image Analysis Laboratory (VAL) has been dismantled.
.

After the MLATS leader Dr. V. Matulis became a member of the Vilnius City Council and resigned from the IMI, MLATS was divided into two departments:
• Software Engineering Department (SED). Head Dr. Albertas Čaplinskas.
• Mathematical Logic department (MLD). Head Habil. Dr. Regimantas Pliuškevičius. 

G. Masiulienė

Dr. Albertas Čaplinskas

Habil. Dr. Reginamtas Pliuškevičius

The UNESCO Chair "Informatics for the Humanities" is established. Prof. Laimutis Telksnys has been appointed as the Head of the Chair.

Prof. Mifodijus Sapagovas is elected Director of Institute of Mathematics and Informatics.

The Optimal Solution Theory Sector (OSTS) was renamed the Optimization Department (OD) headed by Prof. J. Mockus.

The Management Systems Department has been merged into the Software Systems Engineering Department as a sector. Dr. Audronė Lupeikienė has been appointed Head of sector.
Process Management Group merged into the Process Recognition Department.

The Differential Equations Sector (DES) has been headed by Prof. Dr. Habil. Konstantinas Pileckas.

The Systems Analysis Department (SAD) was established. Head Prof. Gintautas Dzemyda.
SAD was set up, based on a group of scientists of Optimization Department
The Operational Research Sector was established into SAD. The header – Habil. Dr. Leonidas Sakalauskas.
A long-standing team in the System Analysis Department has been formalized.

Prof. Habil. Dr. Gintautas Dzemyda

Prof. Habil. Dr. Leonidas Sakalauskas

Dr. Habil. Vidmantas Bentkus has been heading the Probability Theory Department (PTD).

Prof. Habil. Dr. Gintautas Dzemyda is elected Director of the IMI.
Dr. Stasys Rutkauskas, who was previously Scientific Secretary, was appointed Deputy Director.
Dr. Saulius Maskeliūnas became Scientific Secretary.

Prof. Habil. Dr. Gintautas Dzemyda

Dr. Stasys Rutkauskas

Dr. Saulius Maskeliūnas

The Information and Patent Department was renamed into the Information and Publishing Department. Aidas Žandaris is appointed Head of the Department. The previously independent Computer Publishing Group, headed by Genovaitė Masiulienė, was merged into the department. 
The Science Research Automation Laboratory was reorganized into the Computational Linguistics Group and connected to Informatics Methodology Department. Snieguolė Meškauskienė is appointed Group Header.

Aidas Žandaris

Snieguolė Meškauskienė

The head of the Mathematical Statistics Department was Prof. Donatas Surgailis.

The Institute of Mathematics and Informatics , hosts an event to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Attached: collection of photos of the event

A meeting of the Institute's Council takes place, which changes the structure of IMI.
The Probability Theory Department merge with the Applied Statistics Department and named the Probability Theory and Statistics Department. The header – Habil. Dr. Vidmantas Bentkus.
The Optimisation Department has been merged into the Systems Analysis Department as a sector. Prof. Antanas Žilinskas is appointed Head of the Sector.
The Mathematical Statistics Department rename into the Stochastic Processes Department. The Department continues to be headed by Prof. Donatas Surgailis.
The Computer Publishing Group is abolished.

Habil. Dr. Vidmantas Bentkus

Prof. Dr. Antanas Žilinskas

Prof. Donatas Surgailis

Assoc. Prof Dr. Artūras Štikonas head of the Numerical Analysis Department.

Prof. Dr. (HP) Stasys Rutkauskas header of the Differential Equations Department.

The Institute of Mathematics and Informatics has become a stem unit of Vilnius University –
Vilnius University Institute of Mathematics and Informatics. 

Dr. Aurimas Rapečka is appointed Head of the Computer Networks Laboratory.

A meeting of the Institute's Council has taken place, which has changed the structure of the VU IMI. The Institute's departments are abolished, but groups are formed on their basis.
Academic structures:
Education Systems Group. Head Valentina Dagienė
Global Optimization Group. Head Julius Žilinskas
Cyber-Social Systems Engineering Group. Head Saulius Gudas
Cognitive Computing Group. Head Gintautas Dzemyda
Mathematical Physics Equations Group. Head Artūras Štikonas
Operations Research Group. Head Leonidas Sakalauskas.
Statistics and Probability Group. Head Kęstutis Kubilius
Image and Signal Analysis Group. Head Povilas Treigys

Prof. Dr. (HP) Valentina Dagienė	Prof. Dr. (HP) Julius Žilinskas	Prof. Dr. (HP) Saulius Gudas	Prof. Habil. Dr. Gintautas Dzemyda
Dr. (HP) Artūras Štikonas	Prof. Habil. Dr. Leonidas Sakalauskas	Prof. Habil. Dr. Kęstutis Kubilius	Assoc. Prof Dr. Povilas Treigys

Non-academic structures:
Common Affairs Department. Head Aidas Žandaris.
Project Department. Head Laimutė Mikalauskienė.

The Operations Investigation Group was liquidated. The Intelligent Technologies Research Group was established. Head Dr. Virginijus Marcinkevičius.

The Artificial Intelligence Laboratory was established. Head Dr. Virginijus Marcinkevičius.

Interdisciplinary Statistical Research Group was established. Head Prof. Dr. Audronė Jakaitienė.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gintautas Tamulevičius was elected Director of the DMSTI (director as of 22 April 2024).