BRICS Mathematics: online discussion series
Overview
We are hosting a series of six thematic online discussions to explore and further develop questions and topics arising from our opening event. These discussions are sponsored by the Mathematics for Humanity programme of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences.
Each discussion will have an early session (9am BST / UK time) and a late session (4pm BST / UK time) of one hour each to accommodate the range of timezones of expected participants. We welcome and invite short interventions (5-10 minutes) on the themes identified in the schedule, to be followed by open discussion. If there is a theme or topic you would like to discuss but are unavailable on the corresponding day, please let us know and we will try to incorporate your intervention at an appropriate point elsewhere.
Note
Please share your interest in attending or presenting on the RSVP form!
Schedule
Thursday 15 May: Measures and Metrics (update: this theme will be folded into later dates)
We will discuss how to measure and characterize mathematics in BRICS countries, locally, nationally, and comparatively. Possible topics include the funding of mathematical institutes and careers, the demography of mathematical research, educational systems and training, publications, and participation in international enterprises.
Wednesday 21 May: Organizations and Conferences
We will discuss the variety of formal and informal organizations and conferences that represent and connect mathematical communities from BRICS countries, as well as the participation of BRICS countries and their mathematicians and mathematical diasporas in other organizations and conferences. Update: for logistical reasons, we will only meet in the UK afternoon for this date.
Monday 26 May: Data, Sources, and Archives
We will discuss the historical and contemporary material that can be accessed and analyzed to understand mathematics in BRICS countries, and the methods that can be used to access and analyze these sources.
Tuesday 27 May: Connectors and Connections
We will discuss the people and projects that have connected BRICS mathematicians to each other and to other parts of the world, including revisiting topics from the previous sessions through this perspective.
Friday 30 May: Futures
We will discuss current trajectories and possible futures for mathematics in and among BRICS countries.
Tuesday 10 June: Agendas and Collaborations
We will discuss research agendas for understanding the past, present, and future of mathematics in BRICS countries and consider what new questions, challenges, opportunities, and collaborations can be identified from the previous discussions.
Note
Please share your interest in attending or presenting on the RSVP form!
Notes and Resources
We will share notes and resources following each of the discussions, and welcome contributions and suggestions from all participants.