Join Us for the Collaborative Swiss Math Outreach (COSMO) at EPFL!
Register here if you’re ready to confirm your participation.
Are you passionate about bringing mathematics to a wider audience? Do you work on projects that link the general public to the fascinating world of math? Whether through events, workshops, exhibitions, or creative educational tools, if you are involved in math outreach in Switzerland, this symposium is for you!
The EPFL is pleased to invite you to COSMO, a symposium where professionals from both academic and non-academic sectors will come together to present their work, share their insights, and explore new ways to collaborate in promoting mathematics to diverse audiences.
What: This event offers an opportunity to present your projects, share your experiences, and communicate your vision of mathematical outreach to others involved in this field across Switzerland. Participants will also gain an overview of outreach activities in the country, exchange ideas, and discuss potential projects that have not yet been initiated. The symposium aims to foster connections and encourage collaboration to strengthen and expand outreach efforts.
When: Monday, 2 February
Where: EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
EPFL will cover food and beverage costs throughout the event. Transport and accommodation costs may be covered within the limits of available funds.
Why attend?
COSMO serves as a platform to engage with peers and foster meaningful dialogue within the mathematical outreach community. Numerous mathematics outreach initiatives have been established both within and outside the academic world. During this day, participants involved in outreach across Switzerland will meet to present their ideas and projects, get to know one another, and explore opportunities to collaborate. The symposium will facilitate the creation of new partnerships and strengthen the collective impact of outreach initiatives across the country.
To confirm your participation, please register here.
Program
Participants will be invited to present their outreach initiatives in a talk lasting between 5 and 20 minutes, with the duration chosen by the participant. The goal is to provide everyone with an overview of the various outreach initiatives taking place across Switzerland.
The program is subject to change and may be adjusted according to the number of registrations and participants’ needs.
- Monday, 2 February, room MA A1 10
09:30 a.m. Coffee reception in front of MA A1 10
10:00 a.m. Outreach Project Presentations and Discussions
12:00 p.m. Lunch at Gina Ristorante
2:30 p.m. Outreach Project Presentations and Discussions
4:00 p.m. Coffee break
4:30 p.m. Outreach Project Presentations and Discussions
5:30 p.m. End
Morning:
Hugo Parlier: Mathematics Without Words
“Together with Bruno Teheux, we’ve developed an approach to mathematical outreach prioritizing direct experience over any kind of instruction. No more than ten seconds of setup leads to hours of self-directed exploration based on games or artistic activities, with participants of all levels and age groups naturally engaging in activities which finds their roots in mathematical research.
This is one of many contrasts that make these activities work: systematically presenting activities entirely created and designed from scratch, allows us to surprise visitors, bypassing potential math phobia and challenging expectations. By building on emotional responses, we break down barriers and shift perspectives. Activities provide multiple entry points with progressive experiences, creating inclusive experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.
Examples of installations include experiences at the last two World Expos where thousands of visitors engaged in meaningful mathematical experiences.”
Ismail Bouhaj: Promoting Mathematics in Morocco
Elise Raphael: Girls and Maths project update
Leo Palma: Caravane des maths
Afternoon:
Cesco Reale: Stratemaths: book and talks on maths in games
Corine Kunze: The Mathilda programme in the Canton of Vaud
Erika Roldan: AI in Math and Computer Science (research/outreach)
Begoña Cuquejo: Enchivas
Emmanuelle Giacometti: Espace des inventions and math exhibition
For further information or inquiries, please contact Xavier Morvan([email protected]).