ABSTRACT
In the spring of 1982, the National Science Foundation announced the creation of two new institutes of research in mathematical sciences. Given the general scarcity of government funding for scientifi c research, this was remarkable news. Even more remarkable is the unique background of the man who was selected as Director of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley, Professor Shiing-shen Chern. To get a more precise picture of his background, Professor Chern was interviewed by the authors at the temporary facilities of the new Institute on October 8, 1982. What follows is a product of this interview together with biographical accounts from additional sources.
