GESDA Anticipation Workshop - Mathematics for Humanity

Afternoon

Sophie Gilbert

Minhyong Kim

Our understanding of the natural world – both in terms of Earth Systems and deeper physical and cosmological realities – depends to a large extent on mathematical modelling. What are the shortcomings of our current models? How can they be improved? Which mathematical fields are not yet being fully exploited to serve humanity’s needs in its interactions with the world and the universe we inhabit? What breakthroughs can we anticipate in the next 5, 10 and 25 years?

Nima Arkani-Hamad

Rashid Sumaila

Recent progress in the development of AI and machine learning has been deeply rooted in mathematical solutions to issues surrounding data-handling, statistical analysis and other challenges. This has led to numerous scientific, medical and even societal innovations that are set to improve the human experience. However, significant challenges remain. Can data be handled more efficiently, for instance, reducing energy use in the world’s data centres? Might different mathematical approaches to data give us more powerful algorithms? Is there a way for mathematicians to help ensure that these innovations benefit a wider range of people? What breakthroughs can we anticipate in this field in the next 5, 10 and 25 years?

Terrence Tao

Karthik Ramani

Mathematics is central to much of the work carried out in the social sciences. Calculus underpins our understanding of economic systems; algebra and game theory define the forces at work when we model the functioning of societal infrastructure such as democracy, inter-state relations and healthcare provision; a deep grasp of statistics is vital to the task of anticipating future societal needs and ensuring that resource management is achieved effectively and efficiently. But what are the barriers to better deployment of mathematics here, and what mathematical breakthroughs can we anticipate will improve society in the next 5, 10 and 25 years?

Eric Maskin

Hyejin Youn

Evening

Whether for medical technologies such as diagnostic imaging, surgical intervention, prevention of infectious disease outbreaks and cancer treatment, or for biological applications in neuroscience, genomics and improving agricultural practices, mathematics plays a central role in our study of living systems. Where is the most urgent need for mathematical innovation in our interactions with biology? How can mathematics, suitably applied, have a greater impact on healthcare, agriculture and ecological concerns? What will be the relevant mathematical breakthroughs of the next 5, 10 and 25 years that impact our understanding and interactions with biology from cellular to ecosystem level?

Sarah Teichmann

Carina Curto

Minhyong Kim

GESDA Anticipation Workshop - Mathematics for Humanity