In 2004, the Center for Research and Modeling of Random Phenomena of Valparaíso (CIMFAV) was established as a Research and Development project under the Research Directorate of the University of Valparaíso. In 2012, after becoming consolidated, CIMFAV became a unit of the newly created Faculty of Engineering at the University of Valparaíso. In 2013, CIMFAV, together with the Institute of Mathematics of the University of Valparaíso, the Federico Santa María Technical University, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, launched the Doctorate in Mathematics in consortium. In 2018, after a great deal of hard work, CIMFAV opened the Mathematical Civil Engineering program with 16 students enrolled. Finally, in March 2019, the creation of the Institute of Mathematical Engineering at the University of Valparaíso was approved. Currently, the Institute of Mathematical Engineering consists of 12 faculty members with doctoral degrees and houses the direction of the Doctorate in Mathematics in consortium, the Mathematical Civil Engineering program, and the CIMFAV project.

The Institute of Mathematical Civil Engineering at the University of Valparaíso, as part of a public, state-run, and autonomous institution, aims to generate and disseminate knowledge by fostering mathematical sciences in continuous interdisciplinary dialogue with other sciences, humanities, and technologies. This is achieved through the development of undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as research, while providing competencies and values to train graduates, professionals, and researchers within a framework of quality and commitment to regional and national development, promoting its sustainable character.

The Institute aspires to be an institution of excellence in training individuals, in innovation, and knowledge generation, closely connected to the reality of its surroundings. It aims to make a significant impact on the sciences and engineering, enhancing its location in the Valparaíso Region to become a national and international benchmark.