Mathematics is internationally collaborative and so the ICM should be internationally collaborative. As such, we proudly present this first multi-country bid, with the aim of reflecting in the ICM our common and deeply held mathematical belief that international collaboration is something that needs to celebrated, showcased and protected.
We further believe that the ICM should be a celebration of mathematicians, not a celebration of the host. Through enacting this principle, in this bid people take centre stage, as we believe that maximising collaboration and interactions between the participants is how the success of an ICM should be viewed and measured.
Throughout this bid, our focus on collaboration and people is ever present: from our logo to the 2km congress model, all the way to the affordability of the city to the Developing Countries Fund. To us, People Make Mathematics.
The inspiration for our logo
The inspiration for our logo comes from the legend of St. Kentigern, the 6th century Celtic Saint and founder of our city.
In the legend, St. Kentigern performs four miracles that are symbolised by a tree, a bird, a bell and a fish, and these four symbols have been incorporated into our logo.
The oldest manuscript containing these stories is now in Dublin, providing another link between the two centres of our bid. The colours also reflect the links between Glasgow and Ireland.
The tree represents to us the importance of sustainability, and the imperative of addressing climate change.
Birds know no political boundaries. It represents to us the fact that mathematics also knows no boundaries, and hence the truly international nature of the ICM.
The Bell represents to us communication – with sound carrying the message of the ICM across the globe. It also symbolises the role in communicating the power and beauty of mathematics to the general public.
In the legend of St. Kentigern, the fish contained a golden ring. The ring represents to us a symbol of the unity and connectivity of mathematics.
These symbols can be found everywhere in Glasgow: in our mediaeval Cathedral, where Kentigern in buried, in the University of Glasgow’s crest, in the local transport system, and in our museums and art galleries.