Sydney Mathematical Research Institute was proud and delighted to host the third Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group (WIMSIG) Conference, which took place at the University of Sydney from September 30 to October 2, 2024. More than 150 registrants came together to hear talks on a range of topics, from applied and pure mathematics, to statistics, industry, and mathematical education. We were also honoured to hear from four excellent plenary speakers, Grace Chung (Google Research Australia), Leah Edelstein-Keshet (University of British Columbia), Antonietta Mira (Università della Svizzera italiana) and Valentina Wheeler (University of Wollongong).
Thanks to a schedule which included 95 parallel special sessions and panels, participants had a variety of talks to choose from and could tailor their experience to their own interests. Presentations were given by women, trans, or gender-diverse speakers, however the conference provided an inclusive environment open to all interested participants. As more than 40 of the registrants were students, having informal networking opportunities, such as the Welcome Reception, LGBTQI+ and Allies Lunch and the Conference Dinner, provided opportunities for participants to mingle and ask each other, “what are you working on?”.
To reduce barriers to attendance, generous sponsors supported free childcare for the duration of the conference and the funding of Early Career Researcher Travel Awards for over 30 participants. By focusing on scientific rigour and inclusivity, the WIMSIG Conference celebrated the achievements of women and gender-diverse people in the mathematical sciences and provided opportunity for meaningful connections and future collaborations.
So much positive feedback was received about this event, as well as ideas and suggestions for the next WIMSIG conference. Here is a small selection from the many comments given by participants:
“Having seen all the women/gender diverse colleagues flourishing in their research careers and sharing their research is motivating”
“This has motivated me to engage more with the LGBTQIA+ community in my university”
“I can see the impact one conversation can have on a student in terms of career trajectory and I hope to inspire more future female mathematicians”
“The conference made me feel more able to engage professionally with people at different stages of their careers”
“WIMSIG has reinforced my desire to champion women in maths”
“I am inspired to take a more active role in the WIMSIG community”
