There is a world that for centuries has spoken almost only to male, but which is now changing tone, voice and perspective. It is the world of mathematicswhich celebrates the International Day of Mathematics every 12 May, promoted globally byAssociation for Women in Mathematics To enhance the female contribution and make the academic and working environment more open, fair and inclusive.
A more than symbolic anniversary: in fact, in the day of birth of the extraordinary Iranian mathematics was born in the day of birth Maryam Mirzakhanibefore (and so far unique) woman to receive the Fields medalthe highest world recognition in mathematics, the equivalent of a nobel for this discipline.
Died prematurely in 2017 at the age of 40, his legacy continues to inspire thousands of young mathematics in the world.
Italy of mathematics: our golden moment
Even in Italy the wind is changing. Confirms it Elisabetta Stricklandprofessor of the University of Rome Tor Vergata and among the promoters of the day:
We never went so strong: we have excellent mathematics and a growing presence of students. There is a new, authentic and deep interest in mathematics.
Words that are confirmed in fact: at the last European Mathematics Congress (2024), two of the ten prizes assigned went to Maria Colombo (EPFL of Lausanne) e Cristiana De Filippis (University of Parma), both Italian and under 40. And to the latest Mathematics Olympicseven the Italian women’s team has conquered exceptional results, a sign that the new generation of brilliant minds is already at work.
Every year the number of girls who enroll in STEM university courses (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) increases. According to Miur, in the last five years there has been a constant increase in students in mathematics and physics, reversing a historically unbalanced trend. Also thanks to orientation and dissemination initiatives designed to break down stereotypes still hard to die.
As theUNESCOonly 33% of researchers in the world are women and less than 30% work in the scientific sectors. It is therefore essential to continue promoting positive female models in the field of mathematics.
Events throughout Italy: between theaters, universities and workshops
This year’s Italian calendar is rich and varied: Over ten events scattered throughout the month of May, from north to south. In Milan it started on May 5 with a day organized by Maddmaths! and the city universities: scheduled Theatrical workshops, popular shows and scientific readinglike “Tell a mathematics” and the readings of the laboratory “Women in mathematics” by Maria Eugenia d’Aquino.
But the initiatives do not stop in the Lombard capital. Also Rome, Cagliari, L’Aquila, Verona and Salerno They host meetings, exhibitions, seminars and round tables. Among the top appointments is the lesson of Elena Giorgiprofessor at Columbia Universityexpected the June 6 in Rome Tor Vergatawhich will talk about the mathematics applied to black holesone of the most fascinating (and complex) themes of modern astrophysics.
The day of women in mathematics is used to remind us that equality also passes from thebolasses, university classrooms and research workshops. And that an equation written by a woman can change the world, just like he did Maryam Mirzakhani.
