The Independent University of Moscow (IUM; Russian: Независимый Московский Университет, НМУ) is a non-governmental educational institution in Moscow, Russia, focused on advanced study and training in mathematics. Founded in 1991 by a group of mathematicians including Vladimir Arnold (chairman) and Sergei Novikov, IUM now operates as a division of the Moscow Center for Continuous Mathematical Education (MCCME). The founders cited both the École normale supérieure (Paris) and the informal People’s University organized by mathematician Bella Subbotovskaya as organizational models. Teaching is primarily scheduled in the evenings and lectures are generally open to the public. IUM does not conduct formal entrance examinations; participation begins as an auditor and formal student status (“listener”) is determined by academic performance recorded in IUM examinations. As of 1 January 2026, a licentiate diploma—based on a set of core undergraduate‑level courses—is a prerequisite for graduation. IUM hosts the Math‑in‑Moscow study‑abroad program, co‑founded the English‑language Moscow Mathematical Journal with the Higher School of Economics, collaborates with the CNRS through the Poncelet Interdisciplinary Research Center, and has organized the annual Möbius competition for student research since 1997. Source: Wikipedia (en)