Mathematics for All People: A Vision for ICM 2030
Our bid team envisions ICM 2030 as a transformative moment for mathematical outreach and legacy. We believe that mathematics is not only a cornerstone of scientific progress but also a source of lifelong creativity, joy, and empowerment. Mathematics has the potential to unite and it invites collaboration.
Since 2013, Glasgow’s slogan has been “People Make Glasgow”. We firmly believe that “People Make Mathematics” and that the ICM can be the springboard to telling inspirational stories from the history of mathematics, to highlighting what is happening right now in the world of mathematics and, crucially, to convincing everyone that there is fascinating mathematics for them to engage with, regardless of whether they are a number fan or a Maths-phobe.
Inclusivity and global engagement are at the heart of our ICM 2030 proposal. While Glasgow will host the congress, our ambition is to ensure that its impact is felt worldwide. We are committed to designing outreach activities that transcend geographic boundaries, engaging communities not only across the UK and Ireland, but internationally. Already at the bid stage, we have secured the support of leading international mathematics communicators, as reflected in our letter of endorsement. If successful, we will coordinate a global network of outreach partners, sharing expertise and resources in different languages to ensure that ICM 2030 becomes a truly international celebration of mathematics. Some concrete examples:
- We have discussed with Stuart Meiklejohn, from Glasgow Science Centre, (ICM welcome reception venue) how to develop together freely available maths focused resources for teachers and communicators in several languages.
- We will partner with communicators such as Gordon Hamilton, Jo Morgan, Eddie Woo or Howie Hua to translate and distribute maths resources for kids, educators, parents and puzzlers.
- We will team up with Numberphile and coordinate the production of ICM 2030 popularization videos, freely available through YouTube.
- We have the support of mainstream media communicators, like Alex Bellos, with whom we will coordinate the creation of ICM 2030 adult engagement initiatives, such as puzzle competitions and features in newspapers.
A Proven Track Record in Mathematical Outreach
Our bid builds on a strong foundation of mathematical outreach across Scotland, Ireland, and the UK. Scotland’s Maths Week Scotland, launched in 2017, was directly inspired by the success of Maths Week Ireland, which began in 2006 and now reaches hundreds of thousands annually. These initiatives demonstrate a sustained commitment to engaging the public with mathematics in creative and inclusive ways.
The Edinburgh Mathematical Society regularly organises public lectures and events for audiences ranging from school pupils to the general public. The Royal Institution Masterclasses offer enrichment opportunities for secondary students, while numerous competitions encourage problem-solving and mathematical thinking across age groups. Although this might peak with the elite International Mathematical Olympiad participants, pupils from across secondary and primary are involved in Enterprising Maths in Scotland, the Scottish Mathematical Council Challenges – in its 50th year – and a range of mathematically celebratory contests which encourage problem-solving, poetry-writing, song-composing and photo-capturing.
These efforts reflect a vibrant and capable ecosystem of mathematical communicators and institutions ready to support and scale outreach around ICM 2030.
Removing Barriers
If we are given the privilege of hosting the ICM in Glasgow, we commit to elevate mathematical communication, engage diverse audiences, and inspire future generations. Outreach is not an add-on—it is central to our vision. Already we have the strong support of both the Scottish and Irish governments, who have committed to declaring 2030 a Year of Mathematics should our bid be successful.
We propose a comprehensive and ambitious programme of outreach and legacy activities, including:
- Pre- and post-Congress events to kick-off and bring to a closure an exciting and enriching Year of Mathematics.
- Public lectures and talks across Glasgow and other cities, bringing world-class mathematics to local communities.
- City-wide exhibits and installations, designed to spark curiosity and conversation in public spaces.
- Collaborations with artists and schools, commissioning visual and creative interpretations of mathematics to be displayed throughout the city.
- Adult engagement initiatives, such as puzzle competitions and features in national newspapers like The Herald and The Guardian.
- Partnerships with MathsCity Leeds and MathsWorld London, coordinating exhibits and events to amplify reach and impact.
- Participation in informal science platforms, such as Pint of Science, to bring mathematics into everyday venues and conversations.