Mathematics of Planet Earth
Fact Sheet
A world-wide initiative to bring awareness to global issues and
the role that mathematics can play in their solution.
Web Address: www.mpe2013.org
Initiator: Christiane Rousseau, University of Montreal
Goals:
- Highlight the contributions made by mathematics in tackling global problems
- Increase public engagement with mathematics
- Bring together world-class researchers in mathematics and other fields to solve some of the world's most challenging problems.
Endorsed by:
- United Nations Scientific, Educational, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- International Mathematical Union (IMU)
- International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM)
Recognized in the U.S. Congress:
Partners: More than 100 organizations in more than 30 countries including:
- 42 Mathematics Institutes
- 30 Professional Societies
- 13 Research Centers
- 6 Teacher Associations
- 5 International Organizations
Activities:
- Official launches in 4 continents
- 7 long-term (more than one month) programs at research institutes
- 10 keynote addresses
- 20 special sessions at Society meetings
- 50 week-long research workshops
- 5 summer schools
- 2 public lecture series and more public lectures
- 2 workshops for developing educational materials
- An international museum module competition
Media:
- Research Articles
- Expository Articles
- Videos
- Books
- Classroom materials
- Mathematical magazines for the schools
Exhibits:
- Open Source Exhibition hosted at Oberwolfach through the Imaginary project to be launched at UNESCO on March 5-8, 2013
- Traveling exhibition produced in France
Themes for national outreach campaign:
- Math Awareness Month topic in the US in April 2013:
"The mathematics of sustainability" http://www.mathaware.org/
- Week of mathematics on MPE organized by the French Ministry of Education
Blogs:
- Daily blog on the MPE2013 website
- Weekly blog in Australia
- Daily blog in France
Four themes:
- A planet to discover
(geophysics, oceans, meteorology and climate, planetary motions, etc.)
- A planet supporting life
(ecology, biodiversity, evolution, etc.)
- A planet organized by humans
(economic & financial systems, energy, health & social systems, resource management, etc.)
- A planet at risk
(climate change, sustainability, natural disasters, epidemics, etc.)