"American research in mathematics is today in a golden age. But there is within the mathematical community a general consensus that, in order to maintain and even further stimulate the unequalled pace of research of the past dozen years, another mathematical sciences research institute, similar but not identical to the famous Institute for Advanced Study, should be established. Over the past three years, this concept has been discussed during meetings of the mathematical sciences professional organizations.
Letters from and conversations with many American mathematicians show agreement with the need for continued stimulation of mathematical research and with the concept of a research institute as an efficient and effective method of providing such stimulation.
In 1979 a nonprofit California corporation—MSRI, Inc.—was established. In January of 1981, Chancellor Ira M. Heyman presented University President David Saxon with a proposal for a facility to house the proposed MSRI. An NSF Site Visit took place on March 10, 1981. On May 15, 1981, the UC Regents approved an agreement with MSRI to construct and finance an Institute building on the UC Berkeley campus. On June 2, 1981, the NSF officially announced that they would fund two mathematical institutes: MSRI in Berkeley and IMA in Minneapolis.
MSRI's founding Director was Shiing-Shen Chern (1981–84), and the founding Deputy Director was Calvin Moore (1981–85). In September 1982, MSRI began full scientific operation at the UC Extension Building at 2223 Fulton Street. In January 1984, ground was broken for the present building in the hills above UC Berkeley's main campus, and MSRI moved into the facility on April 1, 1985. Initially, MSRI paid rent for this building, but, since August 2000, it has occupied the building rent-free, as one of several contributions of the UC campus.
…and many other distinguished mathematicians and scientists.