Why mathematicians are boycotting their biggest conference
17 hours ago
- #International Politics
- #Boycott
- #Mathematics
- Mathematicians are threatening to boycott the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) in Philadelphia due to U.S. military actions, visa suspensions, and immigration policies.
- A petition with over 1,500 signatures calls for moving the event, citing a double standard after the 2022 ICM was moved from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
- The French Mathematical Society announced it would skip the event, citing safety concerns, while other societies plan to attend to uphold international collaboration.
- Historians note parallels with past boycotts, highlighting that internationalism in mathematics always involves compromises amid political conflicts.
- Organizers have not responded, leaving it unclear how the petition will impact the July event, but it demonstrates mathematicians' collective influence.