A new international competition of MPE exhibition modules. Deadline: June 30, 2017
A new international competition for MPE MPE exhibition modules was launched in Dakar at the Next Einstein Forum on March 10 2016. This second international competition, jointly organized by IMAGINARY, UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP), the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI), will enrich the MPE exhibition with new modules, aiming to address challenges in Africa and other regions of the world.
The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2017.
The first, second and third prize will be awarded 5000, 2000 and 1000 USD respectively.
There is a special prize for topics with a direct relation to or impact on the African continent (2000 USD).
MPE in Africa - New Competition and Exhibition
Today, March 9, 2016, The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Global Gathering 2016 starts in Dakar, Senegal. The three-day event will showcase often underreported scientific progress in Africa, holding up the NEF Fellows as examples of the exceptional scientific potential and progress across Africa. It also hosts the launch of a new international competition for MPE exhibition modules. This second international competition, jointly organized by IMAGINARY, UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP), the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI), will enrich the exhibition with new modules, aiming to address challenges in Africa and other regions of the world. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2017. The first, second and third prize will be awarded 5000, 2000 and 1000 USD respectively. There is a special prize for topics with a direct relation to or impact on the African continent (2000 USD).
With the support of UNESCO, IMAGINARY (a project by the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach (MFO) and partner of NEF) presents an interactive mathematics exhibition at the NEF Global Gathering showcasing all winning modules of the open source MPE exhibition modules competition in 2013 accompanied by classics from the exhibition IMAGINARY - through the eyes of mathematics.
Read the News Message at the IMAGINARY platform and find background information for download…
A new SIAM Activity Group on Mathematics of Planet Earth
Mathematics of Planet Earth has highlighted the need for researchers with a broad view of planetary issues: climate change, quantification of uncertainty, move to an economy of sustainability, preservation of biodiversity, adaptation to change. Joining forces with other disciplines and recruiting young researchers to work on these issues is a priority. This is why the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has created a new SIAM Activity Group on Mathematics of Planet Earth (SIAG/MPE).
The purpose of this activity group is to provide a forum for mathematicians and computational scientists to study Planet Earth, its life-supporting capacity, and the impact of human activities. By opening up a new area of applications, the SIAG will stimulate interesting research in the mathematical sciences. Activities of the SIAG will include the biennial SIAM Conference on Mathematics of Planet Earth (the first one to take place in 2016), minisymposia at SIAM Annual Meetings, and other conferences. SIAM members can join at Joining SIAG/MPE. Others need first to join SIAM.
MPE2013 moves into Mathematics of Planet Earth
The successful year-long initiative will continue past 2013.
MONTREAL, December 11, 2013 – On January 1, 2014, the international project “Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013” (MPE2013) will continue as “Mathematics of Planet Earth” (MPE). The objectives remain unchanged – identify fundamental research questions about Planet Earth and reach out to the general public.
According to Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, “The Mathematics of Planet Earth (MPE) initiative resonates strongly with UNESCO’s work to promote the sciences and science education, especially through our International Basic Sciences Programme. Mathematics advances fundamental research and plays an important role in our daily lives. More than ever we need to develop relevant learning materials and to spark in every student, especially girls, a sense of joy in the wondrous universe of mathematics and the immense potential unleashed by this discipline. In this spirit, we commend this initiative and fully endorse the proposal to continue this programme beyond 2013.”
Read the press release…
See reports about MPE2013 and prospects for MPE
Upcoming MPE 2013+ Workshop
MPE 2013+ International Workshop on Citizen Science
(December 14 - 15, 2015) to be held at
LAMSADE, Université Paris Dauphine
http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/Workshops/Citizen/
The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015)
The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) was proclaimed on 20 December 2013 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
This International Year has been the initiative of a large consortium of scientific bodies together with UNESCO working together since 2009, and will bring together many different stakeholders including scientific societies and unions, educational institutions, technology platforms, non-profit organizations and private sector partners. IYL 2015 programs will promote improved public and political understanding of the central role of light in the modern world while also celebrating noteworthy anniversaries in 2015 - from the first studies of optics 1,000 years ago to discoveries in optical communications that power the Internet today.
The theme of light is ideal to promote links between many different disciplines, and of course many of the pioneers of the science of light have also made seminal contributions to mathematics. Moreover, many areas of leading edge research in photonics such as nonlinear optics and telecommunications involve major collaborations between physics, engineering and pure and applied mathematics, and we look forward to many exciting joint meetings and events during 2015 focusing on these exciting developments.
Doctoral Training Centre in the Mathematics of Planet Earth
Imperial College London and University of Reading have joined forces to open the first Doctoral Training Centre in the Mathematics of Planet Earth
For more information…
MPE Exhibition 
The MPE Exhibition is now on line. It was launched at UNESCO on MPE Day, March 5, 2013. Part of it comes from the modules of the MPE competition. New modules are welcome!
Notes on the exhibition

Lecture Series
The MPE2013-Simons Public Lecture Series took place at nine locations around the world. Each lecturer was a leading expert who explained how the mathematical sciences play a significant role in understanding and solving some of Planet Earth’s important problems. Our community’s best expositors and champions covered a diverse range of topics in lectures aimed for a public audience.
Listen at the videos.