Math gathering

"It is a rare opportunity to meet the best mathematicians from their respective fields in the same place at the same time," says Dong Rui, a PhD from Yau Mathematical Science Center at Tsinghua University.

Dong, who attended the previous congress three years ago, noticed that more subjects were discussed this year and more foreign mathematicians were involved.

During the congress, participants presented their research and studies and all of the mathematicians gave their lectures in English.

There has been an increase in the number of younger mathematicians over the last few years, according to Xue Jinxin, a professor at Tsinghua University, who adds that most of the young participants at the conference have overseas study experience.

For example, Xue himself has attended several universities in the United States, and has studied at the University of Maryland, Pennsylvania State University, Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley. He was also a "Dickson instructor" at the University of Chicago.

Xue notes, however, that these young people, since spending many years studying abroad, do not have many connections in the domestic mathematics field.

The conference provides a platform where scholars from around the world are able to communicate closely at an in-depth level. According to Yau, more scholars choose to come back to China after studying overseas in order to maintain their connections in China and help improve the standard of mathematics.

Yau accentuates the importance of fundamental mathematics throughout the ICCM.

"Math is not just to serve the engineering and technology sectors, but also has a charm all of its own, "explains Yau.

He suggests that educators and other math-related organizations should not only put effort and financial support into applied mathematics, but also into fundamental mathematics in order to build a strong base for further development.

Kenneth Ribet, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, whose teaching focuses on algebraic number theory and algebraic geometry, also attended the event.

"The number of mathematicians in China is growing, but there are still many gaps that need to be filled to make the growth more concrete, "he observes.

This was Ribet's first visit to Beijing, and he says that, although living conditions during his stay here were not as comfy as back in the States, and nor was he a big fan of Chinese cuisine, he was satisfied with the packed schedule at the congress, and he enjoyed communicating with other mathematicians.

Ribet also notes that Chinese mathematicians are well supported and highly valued by society.

"Although there is room for improvement, the information exchange between scholars has been priceless, which I really appreciate," says Ribet