19 November 2024

EMS Executive Council Meeting in Turin (November 2024)

Enrico Schlitzer

The Executive Committee of the European Mathematical Society held its meeting from November 15-17, 2024, at the Department of Mathematics of the University of Turin, under the organization of EC member Professor Susanna Terracini.

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Before the formal proceedings began on Friday afternoon, Committee members attended a guided tour of the renowned Egyptian Museum of Turin. During the three-day meeting, the Committee discussed various initiatives and organizational matters. Key topics included enhancing diversity in future EMS initiatives, with particular attention to ensuring representation across all fields of mathematics. Together with EMS Press, the Committee discussed Open Access publishing strategies and their alignment with other OA initiatives. The Committee also discussed strategic directions for strengthening the impact of the EMS across Europe, particularly in supporting smaller mathematical communities. Several new appointments and reappointments to various EMS Committees were discussed, which will be announced once finalized.

Stefan Jackowski, Chair of the Ethics Committee, presented the development of the EMS Code of Ethics, which will encompass the Code of Practice along with several other documents: the Code of Practice for Mathematical Publication, the Code of Conduct for EMS Events, Advice on Setting up a Welcoming Environment at Mathematical Events, and the EMS Statement on Anti-harassment. This initiative is being developed through the collaborative efforts of three Committees: the Ethics Committee, the Committee for Publications and Electronic Dissemination, and the Women in Mathematics Committee. Donatella Donatelli, Editor-in-Chief of the EMS Magazine, reported on the Magazine's activities and future plans, highlighting its effectiveness in balancing diverse mathematical content. Olaf Teschke, Managing Editor of zbMATH Open and Chair of the Committee on Publications and Electronic Dissemination, presented developments in zbMATH Open's services, including an improved user interface and new features for enhancing mathematical research accessibility, and discussed upcoming projects.

Another highlight of the meeting was the Sunday morning session, which included talks from presidents of two EMS member societies. Marco Andreatta, President of the Italian Mathematical Union (UMI), and Luca Formaggia, President of the Italian Society for Applied and Industrial Mathematics (SIMAI), shared insights about the history of their societies and current initiatives.

The meeting marked the final attendance for three distinguished members: Beatrice Pelloni, Frédéric Hélein and Luis Narváez Macarro. The EMS expresses its deepest gratitude to them for their dedication and valuable contributions over the past years. The Executive Committee also welcomed Alain Valette, María Ángeles García Ferrero and Adam Skalski, who will officially join as EC members in 2025.