The purpose of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS) is to foster the development and dissemination of the theory and applications of statistics and probability. The Institute was formed at a meeting of interested persons on September 12, 1935, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a consequence of the feeling that the theory of statistics would be advanced by the formation of an organization of those persons especially interested in the mathematical aspects of the subject.

The Annals of Statistics and The Annals of Probability (which supersede The Annals of Mathematical Statistics), Statistical Science, and The Annals of Applied Probability are the scientific journals of the Institute. These and The IMS Bulletin comprise the official journals of the Institute.

The Institute has individual membership and organizational membership. Dues are paid annually and include a subscription to the newsletter of the organization, The IMS Bulletin. Members also receive priority pricing on all other IMS publications.