CWM is happy to report on the success of the two activities it organized around ICM 2026 in Philadelphia in partnership with the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM): the third edition of the World Meeting for Women in Mathematics (WM)² and the panel discussion "Finding and Defining Success in Mathematics: Pathways and Measures.”
Held on the day preceding the ICM, (WM)² aims to strengthen professional networks among women mathematicians while promoting their full participation in the Congress. It highlights the contributions of women mathematicians from the region in which the ICM is held and is open to the entire mathematical community.
The third edition of (WM)² took place on 22 July 2026 in a hybrid format at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia and online via Zoom. The meeting had approximately 280 registered in-person participants, 150 of whom were recipients of ICM travel support from developing countries. In addition, nearly 120 people participated online. Altogether, (WM)² brought together participants from 78 countries.
The scientific program reflected the breadth and vitality of contemporary mathematics. Participants enjoyed outstanding lectures by Kirsten Eisenträger, Luz de Teresa, Chelsea Walton, and Melanie Weber, covering topics ranging from cryptography and partial differential equations to algebra and deep learning. The program also included small-group discussions over lunch, a poster session featuring approximately 50 posters, and opportunities for networking throughout the day.
The meeting opened with welcoming remarks by Ulrike Tillmann, incoming President of the IMU, Ravi Vakil, President of the American Mathematical Society, and Talitha Washington, Past President of the AWM, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in fostering an inclusive mathematical community.
The day concluded with the panel discussion "Imagining Mathematics in the Future: Hopes and Challenges,” featuring Maria Klawe, Jaqueline Mesquita, Talitha Washington, and Lauren Williams.
The panel explored how mathematics is being transformed by technological advances, evolving educational practices, and changing societal needs, while reflecting on the role mathematicians can play in shaping a more inclusive, creative, and impactful future for the discipline. The meeting closed with remarks by IMU President Hiraku Nakajima and Tiffany Vlaar, representing the organizing committee of ICM 2030, who invited participants to the fourth edition of (WM)², to be held in Glasgow in July 2030.
The following day, the ICM officially began. CWM warmly congratulates all IMU Prize winners, especially Fields Medalist Hong Wang and Leelavati Prize recipient Hannah Fry, whose achievements are an inspiration to the mathematical community.
The collaboration between the CWM and the AWM continued during the ICM itself with the jointly organized panel "Finding and Defining Success in Mathematics: Pathways and Measures," held on 24 July 2026. Featuring Annalisa Crannell, Fern Hunt, Emily Riehl, and Shelby Wilson, the discussion challenged traditional notions of success in mathematics by highlighting diverse professional trajectories spanning research, leadership, industry, and public engagement. Through personal experiences and thoughtful reflections, the panel encouraged participants to embrace broad and inclusive perspectives on achievement and impact within the mathematical community.
CWM thanks everyone who contributed to the success of these activities and looks forward to continuing this work with the international mathematical community at ICM 2030 in Glasgow.