Leading mathematicians gathered at Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) on 17 October for the launch of Mathematical Culture, Third Collection, an event that also explored the future of mathematics in the age of artificial intelligence. Bringing together President Tao Tang, Professor Yitang Zhang and Professor Liu Jianya, the occasion combined the celebration of a new publication with academic discussion and support for mathematics education in local schools.
Held in NCG’s Library lobby, the event welcomed Professor Zhang, Chief Scientist at the Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong, Sun Yat-sen University, and Professor Liu, Chair Professor at Shandong University. President Tang and Professor Liu are both members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Other guests included Wang Qingfang, Deputy President of Guangdong People's Publishing House and head of its General Publishing Division, and Shen Jun, a member of the CPC Leadership Group of the Conghua District Education Bureau and the district's Chief Education Inspector. Representing NCG were Party Secretary Ruan Yingdong, Executive Vice President Professor Ailan Fu, and faculty and student representatives. Vice President Professor Steve Wenbin Liu chaired the event.
The new collection is the latest one drawn from Mathematical Culture, a journal founded in 2010 by President Tang and Professor Liu, who have served as its co-editors-in-chief.
Speaking on behalf of the publisher, Wang reflected on the journal's development and its growing readership among students, educators, academics and the wider public. She highlighted its ability to make mathematical ideas engaging and accessible, allowing readers from different backgrounds to discover the beauty of mathematics.
The publication also comes at a time of continued development in mathematics education at NCG. Party Secretary Ruan highlighted the establishment of the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the recruitment of highly qualified faculty. He expressed the hope that the new collection would encourage more readers to explore mathematics, deepen their understanding and develop a lasting interest in the subject.
President Tang and Professor Liu also introduced the new collection, reflected on the journal's development since its founding and thanked the editorial board and publishing team for their contributions.
The launch extended its reach beyond the university through a donation of 109 sets of the Mathematical Culture book series to primary and secondary schools in Conghua District. Presented by President Tang and Professor Liu, the books were accepted by Shen on behalf of the Conghua District Education Bureau.
Shen expressed appreciation for the mathematicians' support of local education. With Conghua launching an initiative to improve the quality of mathematics teaching, the donation will provide additional learning resources for schools. The Education Bureau also plans to organise reading sessions, classroom enrichment activities and educational visits to encourage young people to explore mathematics and develop their interest in science.
The relationship between mathematics and technological progress provided another focus for the event. During a roundtable discussion on “Mathematical Culture and the Development of Science and Technology”, Professor Zhang, President Tang, Professor Liu Jianya and Vice President Liu explored the potential impact of artificial intelligence on mathematical research and considered how mathematical culture might develop in the AI era.
The occasion also formed part of NCG's 20th anniversary celebrations. To mark the milestone, Professor Liu presented the College with a piece of calligraphy and a specially made seal as a gesture of congratulations.
The event concluded with a book-signing session, where President Tang and Professor Liu signed and presented copies of Mathematical Culture, Third Collection to readers in attendance.
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/v0BjJYTXcs3B-nPAz-fPcg
