Due to covid restrictions, the “When the M meets the P” event, hear “When Mathematicians Meet Physicists” will be held remotely this year. It will take place on January 20 and 21 with, for each day, a long presentation at 11 a.m. followed by 3 short presentations of research topics at 12 p.m.
2 Conferences
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January 20 at 11 a.m. - "Kowalevski top: the story of a hidden symmetry" - Luc HAINE
In 1889, Sophie Kowalevski discovered a new case of integrability of the top, besides the well known cases of Euler and Lagrange. The first part of the talk will survey her 1889 groundbreaking Acta Mathematica paper. Besides being an outstanding mathematician, Sophie Kowalevski is one of the most romantic personality in the history of mathematics. A century later, the hidden symmetry behind Kowalevski's top was linked with Kac-Moody Lie algebras and algebraic curve theory.
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January 21 at 11 a.m. - "Diversity and Inclusion in Astronomy: Unpacking a Pandora's Box" - Tana JOSEPH
Diversity and inclusion initiatives in astronomy have been carried out for many years. From public engagement to unconscious bias training and awarding institutions for their work to create diversity in the workplace, we have carried out many and varied activities and programmes to encourage a more diverse and inclusive workplace and culture.
However, many of these interventions are merely box-ticking exercises or feel-good activities that are highly visible, but have no lasting impact. Many have no evidence to support their effectiveness or they are focused too narrowly on particular groups.
By some measures, it will take decades to change the underrepresentation of marginalised groups, using the current paradigm of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Clearly, what we have been doing is not working.
In order to enact meaningful change, we must be willing to have open, honest meaningful conversations about the problems in astronomy in terms of diversity and inclusion.
We require evidence-based initiatives that will drive real change in the workforce, culture and institutions that make up astronomy.
More informations and registrations: https://agenda.irmp.ucl.ac.be/event/4157/
Organizers: Céline Degrande et Pierre Bieliavsky