News

Organizing the International Congress of Mathematicians ICM 2018 in Brazil has always been as much about disseminating and popularizing mathematical culture in the Brazilian society as it is about welcoming the elite of world mathematics to our country and highlighting the achievements of Brazilian and Latin American mathematicians. Thus, reaching out to our children and youth, and their families and teachers, is high on the Organizing Committee´s priority list.

Endorsement and support from the authorities is coming at the highest level: the Brazilian Congress (Parliament) has approved a formal declaration of 2017 – 2018 as the Biennium of Mathematics. Having been sanctioned and published by the President of Brazil on November 7, the Biennium is now the law of the land.

The Biennium of Mathematics honors the organization of the ICM 2018, as well as of the International Mathematical Olympiad IMO 2017, also in Rio de Janeiro, and expresses the country´s determination to devote time and resources to improve the public awareness of mathematics, at all levels.

Turning this into a reality is a big challenge that we are embracing with enthusiasm. In addition to the IMO 2017, the ICM 2018 and the IMU General Assembly 2018, to be held in São Paulo, a whole series of activities is being planned for the next couple of years, starting with the traditional Bienal da Matemática and the brand new Festival da Matemática, both in April 2017, in Rio.

A National Week on Science and Technology is held in October every year, with a broad participation of universities, research centers, schools, sciences museums and other institutions. We are very glad to announce that the Ministry has decided that the theme for 2017 will be “Mathematics is everywhere!”.

Another highlight of the Biennium of Mathematics is the Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad, the largest scientific competition in the world, about which you can learn more in the corresponding article below, in this edition of the ICM 2018 Newsletter.



Among the Biennium´s many goals is to energize the whole debate concerning diversity in the mathematical universe. The article “The women in mathematics dilemma”, by Christina Brech, from the University of São Paulo, takes on the renewed discussion of the issue of gender in this area.

Last but not least, this edition of the Newsletter also comes with important information about the “ICM 2018 timeline”: application for travel support for mathematicians from the developing world, registration, and submission of communications.

As you can see, Brazil will be a very interesting place to be in the next couple of years. We hope you will all have the chance to come and participate in some of it!

Marcelo Viana
Chair of the ICM 2018 Organizing Committee



Bienal da Matemática da SBM (in Portuguese) - http://www.sbm.org.br/bienal
Festival da Matemática (in Portuguese) - http://www.festivaldamatematica.org.br



The largest scientific competition in the world
Can you guess how many participants there were last year in the Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad? A look at this huge competition and the many programs attached to it.

The women in mathematics dilemma
Christina Brech from the University of São Paulo tackles gender issues in Mathematics.

ICM 2018 Timeline
Dates are now available for registration, financial support applications, and abstract submissions.