The CRM's short thematic programs focus on rapidly developing topics. As they can be organized on quite short notice, the planning is quicker and more flexible than for theme semesters, which can require two to three years of preparation. Short thematic programs last three to four weeks and are usually held during the summer. Mini-courses for students and postdoctoral fellows are generally held during the first week, followed by two or three weeks of intensive workshops. Applications for short thematic programs may be submitted at any time to the CRM director, preferably prior to October 1st for a program to be held the following summer. All Canadian and foreign researchers may submit an application for a short thematic program. If the organizers judge that it is appropriate, the program proceedings may be published in the AMS' CRM Proceedings and Lecture Notes Series.