Earth's Equations

In an international effort to illuminate how mathematical sciences can quantify such environmental issues as climate change, renewable energy and resource management, over 100 scientific institutions across the globe have designated 2013 as the year for "Mathematics of the Planet Earth". Over the course of 2013, institutions around the world will host lectures, workshops and other activities in support of this green initiative.

Earlier this year, ICTP hosted one such event: the 5th Women in Mathematics Summer School, which, in accordance with Mathematics of Planet Earth, focused on the mathematical theories of environmental models. PhD students, post-docs and speakers from 34 countries gathered at ICTP for seven course-intensive days of lectures and problem-solving and tutorial sessions.

Although the summer school's scientific committee has pledged the workshop as a way to encourage women to pursue mathematics to the highest degree of education and onward, both men and women can participate. Of the 80 people who attended this year, 56 were women and 24 were men.

Compared with previous events, the 5th Women in Mathematics Summer School was one of the most geographically diverse. ICTP's support played a key role in the scientific committee's decision to advertise, support and accept many applications from women mathematicians in developing countries. As a result, the total country count amounted to 34, of which well over half, 22, were developing countries.

Women around the world face discrimination, but it can be especially hard for women in the developing world due to an extreme lack of female mentors, colleagues and cultural support. Meanwhile, their countries lie on the brink of near certain devastation as climate change drives up temperatures and water levels. The consequential droughts and floods would spell disaster for any agriculturally-based country, but especially for those too poor to survive and rebound from an especially harsh season.
 
Therefore, many of the school's participants had the opportunity to build self-confidence as women in mathematics as well as discover how their position in science can help their country. For example, the school held roundtable discussions where participants discussed and shared their experiences, which committee member Emilia Mezzetti says was useful because it gave participants a multi-cultural perspective on the similarities and differences involved with being a woman in mathematics.

"Overall, this year's school was excellent," Mezzetti says. "My impression was that people were very happy and the topic of this year's school was chosen well. Also, many of the courses related to one another and speakers were willing to interact with participants, so the events were very active."

For information on the upcoming sixth Women in Mathematic Summer School click here.