Tuesday, 12 May 2026 May 12: International Women in Mathematics Day and research excellence in Izola

The Discrete Mathematics Day on the Adriatic Coast (DMD AC 2026) workshop is taking place today at the InnoRenew CoE building in Izola. The event brings together 38 mathematicians from across the Adriatic region with the aim of strengthening academic collaboration and fostering new connections between universities and research institutions. Organizers of the workshop are UP FAMNIT, UP IAM and SDAMS.

Several of the invited speakers are already engaged in ongoing collaborations with researchers at UP FAMNIT, while some are visiting our university for the first time. Professor Marston Conder recently participated in the CSD 11 conference in Kranjska Gora, also organized in cooperation with SDAMS. Professor Akihiro Munemasa is visiting UP for the first and he will also be an invited speaker at the 11th Slovenian Conference on Graph Theory, which will take place from June 20–26, 2027, in Bled. We are very pleased to see such ongoing collaborations and to welcome both new and returning colleagues to our university.

International Women in Mathematics Day

In 2019, six regional women-in-mathematics associations launched the first May 12 International Women in Mathematics Day celebration and formed a coordination group, making it the first and unique global initiative linking regional organizations for women in mathematics worldwide.

As May 12 is also celebrated as International Women in Mathematics Day, DMD AC 2026 provides a meaningful opportunity to mark this important occasion. The day is dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women in mathematics worldwide, promoting equal opportunities in the field, and encouraging young women to pursue mathematical careers. It is celebrated on May 12 in honor of the birthday of Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman, and the first Iranian, to receive the Fields Medal.

In this spirit, the workshop organizers are especially proud to welcome a number of distinguished women among the invited speakers and to highlight their scientific excellence and leadership in mathematics. DMD AC 2026 is also listed among the global events celebrating women in mathematics: https://may12.womeninmaths.org/2026-list.

Between May 1 and May 20, two movies about women in mathematics are available to watch for free. Viewing links are available here: https://may12.womeninmaths.org/ideas#films.

»If we knew things would be so complicated, I think we would have given up,” she said. Then she paused. “I don’t know; actually, I don’t know,« she said. “I don’t give up easily.«

— from interview with Maryam Mirzakhani, in Quanta Magazine