To facilitate discussion and new connections at our lunch, each table will be assigned a topic (with a language). Participants will choose their lunch table based on the topics. The expectation is that folks with common interests will discuss the topic over lunch, and we are also hoping to get brief reports from all our tables that we can collect after the conference.
The list of table numbers and topic descriptions are given below:
1. Building international research partnerships – Facilitator: Imran Talib
International research partnerships play a vital role in advancing mathematical research and fostering innovation. This discussion will focus on practical strategies for building productive collaborations, expanding professional networks, securing collaborative research opportunities, and addressing challenges related to international mobility, funding, and communication. Participants from all career stages are welcome to share their experiences and ideas for strengthening global cooperation in mathematics.
2. All about math circles – Facilitator: Katie Haymaker
This lunch discussion will be about running and supporting math circles for students, teachers, or other audiences. We can discuss organization tips, funding ideas, problems that work well, expanding the reach of an established math circle, and other ideas.
3. Math outreach (Spanish and English) – Facilitator: Jeanette Shakalli
In this lunch table, we will talk about the importance of math outreach and the ways in which organizations and individuals are working to change that negative perception that so many people have towards mathematics. In particular, we will discuss the various initiatives that are being organized all around the world in an effort to encourage more girls and young women to study math or follow a career in STEM. Finally, we will share where you can download free resources, as well as some ideas of how you can get started in your own community.
4. Mathematics remains an AI language. How can we as women mathematicians be among those defining its future? – Facilitator: Josephine Kagunda
This discussion will explore the central role of mathematics in shaping the next generation of artificial intelligence, from machine learning and optimization to data science, networks, and uncertainty quantification. As AI increasingly influences science, women mathematicians have a unique opportunity to contribute to its technical foundations and ethical development. The discussion will highlight pathways for leadership, research, mentorship, and collaboration, examining how women in mathematics can ensure that AI technologies are transparent, equitable, and beneficial to society. The discussion aims to inspire current and future generations of women mathematicians to play an active role in defining the future of AI.
5. The No Club in mathematics: Saying no to non-promotable work – Facilitator: Angelynn Alvarez
Inspired by the book, The No Club, this discussion will focus on how women are often expected, asked, or pressured to take on work that supports departments and professional communities but does not always advance their careers. We will talk about how mathematicians balance research, teaching, and service, and how to recognize work that is valuable but not always visible or rewarded. We will also discuss why saying no can be especially hard for early-career mathematicians and how we can support one another in making thoughtful choices about the work we take on.
6. Strategies for using AI to enhance mathematics instruction – Facilitator: Ayesha Shabbir
This discussion will explore practical methods of using AI to assist in mathematics instructions. Participants will be asked to share and discuss ways they have used AI in developing mathematics teaching materials. The goal will be to collaborate as educators to develop actionable strategies for AI-powered math education.
7. Encouraging the next generation of mathematicians – Facilitator: Ruth Charney
Many talented young people give up on mathematics for lack of confidence in themselves. This is especially true for women. We will discuss ways to boost our own confidence and that of our students and younger colleagues to encourage them to pursue their interest in mathematics and to enjoy the experience.
8. Navigating parenthood in academia – Facilitator: Carolyn Reinhart
We will discuss the unique challenges that parenthood brings to an academic career. Potential topics include: choosing when to have children with the competing pressures of the biological clock with the job market and/or tenure timeline, building work/life boundaries to protect family time, managing unexpected time off to take care of children (such as for illness), and navigating your research agenda when it is slowed or delayed by the birth of a child.
9. AI in mathematics education: Opportunity or challenge? – Facilitator: Anuradha Singh
AI is becoming part of students' everyday learning, and many of us are still figuring out the best way to use it in our classrooms. How can we encourage students to use AI as a learning tool without compromising academic integrity or critical thinking? Let's share our experiences, challenges, and practical strategies for teaching mathematics in the age of AI. This conversation is an opportunity to learn from one another and exchange ideas that can help us and our students make thoughtful and responsible use of AI.
10. Beyond tenure: Should you lead? – Facilitator: Michelle Manes
A candid discussion on moving into administrative and leadership roles, in your department or beyond. Why do it, how to get there, and what the job is really like. For mid-career and senior folks weighing what's next.
11. Is there a gender bias in competitive exams? – Facilitator: Debashis Ghoshal
Data shows an imbalance in the success rates of male and female candidates in national level competitive exams (for selection to PhD and award of fellowships) in India. While this is within statistical fluctuations in the case of GRE, there has been a more marked fall in the number of women. The discussion will consider comparing the situation in different countries and identify possible reasons behind the bias, if it is indeed systemic.
12. When to say yes -- How to say no – Facilitator: Linda Chen
As careers evolve, we are presented with opportunities to collaborate, mentor, organize, serve, and lead. How do we decide which to take on, and how do we decline others professionally and without guilt? We hope participants will share experiences, strategies, and lessons learned.
13. Las cargas invisibles en la academia: ¿quién hace el trabajo que no cuenta? (Spanish) - Facilitator: María Chara
En los últimos años se ha avanzado en el reconocimiento de las tareas de cuidado como un factor que afecta de manera desigual la trayectoria profesional de las mujeres. Sin embargo, existe otra carga menos visible: el trabajo administrativo y organizativo que suele recaer sobre ellas por la percepción de que "lo hacen mejor". Redactar actas, organizar reuniones, escribir correos, coordinar actividades o interpretar reglamentos son tareas esenciales, pero generalmente no son valoradas en las evaluaciones académicas ni distribuidas de manera equitativa ¿Cómo visibilizar esta carga? ¿Qué acciones concretas pueden implementarse en nuestros departamentos e instituciones?
14. The Paradox of Balance: Representation vs. Overloading in Academia – Facilitator: Elaine Pimentel
Efforts to ensure gender balance on program committees, conference panels, and leadership roles are vital for visibility and equity. However, because women remain a distinct minority in many academic fields, achieving this balance creates a mathematical trap: the same small group of women is continuously called upon to serve. This leads to a severe "diversity tax," where minority faculty are overloaded with administrative and service duties, ironically pulling time away from the research and writing required for career advancement.
15. How can we help young people, especially girls, develop and maintain interest in mathematics? (English and French) – Facilitator: Sendrasoa Laurence
Many young people lose interest in mathematics because they see it as difficult, abstract, or far from real life. How can we help students, especially girls, enjoy mathematics, build confidence, and understand its usefulness from middle school to university? We will discuss and share, to learn from others’ experiences. We will discuss simple real-life applications and practical activities adapted to students’ age and school level, from middle school through high school, as well as inspiring role models and ways to encourage young people to consider mathematics-related studies and careers.
16. Mentoring PhD students and post-docs – Facilitator: Ripan Saha
This discussion will focus on approaches to mentoring early-career mathematicians including PhD students and post-doctoral scholars. Participants will be asked to share and brainstorm new ideas for how to create productive and successful mentoring relationships, with a focus on research progress, future employment, and professional development opportunities.
17. Balancing Research Productivity and a Meaningful Life: Is Efficiency Always the Answer? (English and Chinese) – Facilitator: Xiaoran Zhang
Modern researchers often face a dilemma between pursuing high productivity and enjoying a slower, more meaningful life. While research demands efficiency and continuous progress, a life focused only on work can lead to stress and burnout. On the other hand, prioritizing personal life may reduce research output and create pressure to keep up with rapid academic development. This discussion explores how researchers can balance these competing values, rethink the meaning of efficiency, and adapt their goals without losing either well-being or academic curiosity.
18. Work-life balance
This discussion is about balancing family obligations with work. Can new technology be used to help this balance? What strategies do participants have that have helped them to balance family needs and work? How does the balance change at different career stages and different stages of life?
19. Advice for getting a job
The goal of this conversation to have senior academics to give advice to junior researchers on how to land a job or a post-doc and does and don’ts in a job interview.
20. Nuts and bolts of organizing a good conference, summer school or EDI workshop
Ideas for organizing, winning funding, and general how-to advice!
21. Teaching while female
Students can have different expectations of women professors; often we are expected to be more nurturing and kind and teaching reviews are more critical of women and minorities. How can we manage our classrooms in a professional way and get treated with respect?
Tables 22 – 30 will be left open for new discussion topics, or to create additional discussion tables on one of the topics listed above.