Mathematical theory and applications of multiple wave scattering

The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences hosted a six-month programme on Mathematical Theory and Applications of Multiple Wave Scattering (MWS) in 2023. The programme was driven by the rapidly growing international research interest in multiple wave scattering, linked to developments in many application areas, from photonics, medical imaging and metamaterials. While it was readily apparent that there are theoretical approaches to multiple wave scattering that are common to various wave phenomena (acoustic, optical, etc.), the research community was widely dispersed in a variety of disciplinary areas, or focused on particular applications, which was holding back the potential for broad scientific advancements. Thus, the MWS programme aimed to bring together these distributed researchers, in order to share their knowledge, bridge the gaps between disciplines and applications and develop a shared language and understanding of the approaches taken by the diverse research communities. In doing so, it was intended to accelerate the progress of mathematical theory for numerous application areas and establish new collaborations between previously disconnected (or merely weakly connected) research communities, to the benefit of enhanced research development. This special feature showcases a cross-section of outcomes of the work initiated or progressed during the MWS programme.