DEMETRIO LABATE
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MATHEMATICS
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST.LOUIS
Native Language: ITALIAN
Scientific Field of Enquiry/Research: MATHEMATICS
Date: 8 APRIL 2003

1. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
MATHEMATICIANS USE FUNCTIONS TO DESCRIBE ABSTRACTLY SEVERAL TYPES OF SIGNALS WHICH ARE USED IN A VARIETY OF REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS. THE VOICE TRANSFERRED THROUGH A TELEPHONE LINE, OR THE IMAGES TRANSMITTED THROUGH AN INTERNET CONNECTION ARE EXAMPLES OF SUCH SIGNALS. ONE BASIC IDEA IN THE MATHEMATICS AND APPLICATIONS IS TO DESCRIBE EACH FUNCTION AS A SUPERPOSITION OF A FIXED COLLECTION OF SIMPLE BASIS FUNCTIONS THAT ARE EASY TO GENERATE. THIS ALLOWS TO HANDLE THE PROBLEM OF MANAGING AND PROCESSING SIGNALS IN A VERY EFFICIENT WAY. MY RESEARCH DEALS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF THESE SPECIAL CLASSES OF BASIS-FUNCTIONS.

2. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
THE OBJECTS OF STUDY OF MATHEMATICS ARE HUMAN CREATIONS, THAT LIVE ON RULES CONSISTENT WITH THE WAY OF FUNCTIONING OF THE HUMAN BRAIN.

3. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
I START WITH A DEFINITE GOAL.

4. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
THE PROCESS AND OUTCOMES ARE "NATURALLY" DETERMINED BY THE DEDUCTIVE METHODS OF MATHEMATICS.

5. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
FROM THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE WHO PRECEEDED ME.

6. How are possible applications from your research determined?
BY SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS.

7. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so, please describe how this language works.
MATHEMATICS KNOWDLEDGE IS BASED ON A SET OF RULES WHICH ARE SHARED ACROSS CULTURES.

8. Does your work encompass or involve a possible benefit (tangible or intangible) to society? If so, how would you describe this benefit to non-scientists?
MATHEMATICS IS THE FOUNDATION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. AS SUCH, ITS EFFECTS ARE VERY GENERAL.

9. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
PESSIMISTIC. OUR WORLD IS BASED ON AN ECONOMICAL ORDER WHICH IS NOT SUSTAINABLE. ONLY WARS, OPPRESSION AND INJUSTICE CAN ALLOW THE POWERFUL WEST TO SUSTAIN ITS LIFESTYLE. AND THIS ONLY TEMPORARILY.

10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists (in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
I SHARE THIS VIEW WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN MY FIELD.