Thousands of mathematicians are calling for a boycott of the
2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), scheduled to take place in
Philadelphia, this summer.
An online
petition has gathered more than 2,300 signatures from researchers across
dozens of countries, reflecting concerns around access and US domestic and foreign
policy.
The French Mathematical
Society has already said it would be boycotting the event. Other national societies - including the German and American ones - are backing the event.
The ICM, held every four years, typically attracts around
3,000-4,500 delegates, and its main purpose is to advance mathematics through
international cooperation. Petition organisers argue that holding the event in
the US would contradict that mission.
They warn it would ‘further systemic exclusion’ because many
mathematicians face visa barriers or safety concerns that could prevent their
participation. As a result, signatories state they are ‘refusing to attend the
2026 ICM unless it is moved out of the United States.’
“Even if mathematicians from the 75 countries for which the
current US administration has suspended visa processing are able to obtain
conference visas, how can we expect such mathematicians to safely visit
Philadelphia and engage fruitfully in the conference without fear of harm and
unlawful detention?”, the petition reads.
The petition is supported by personal accounts from
researchers who say they are unable to attend due to visa restrictions or
concerns about their personal safety. One EU mathematician said their ESTA was
denied because of previous collaborations with Cuban mathematicians.
The petition frames the issue in ethical terms, arguing that
participation would make scholars ‘complicit in the violent and ever-worsening
domestic and foreign policy of the United States.’
Supporters point to precedent. The 2022 congress was
relocated from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. They argue that holding
the event in the US amounts to a double-standard.
An American mathematician wrote: “The comments of the IMU in
2022, announcing the move of the ICM from St. Petersburg to online, should be
deeply considered. What are the differences between the decision then, and the
high-minded comments about internationalism and transcending political
divisions now? I do not wish to participate in the hypocrisy.”
Critics of the boycott contend that relocating such a large
event is impractical, that disengagement may do little to influence political
outcomes, and that comparison with Russian’s unprovoked invasion of, and ongoing
conflict with, Ukraine is false equivalence.
In a statement to members, Ravi Vakil, current president of
the American Mathematical Society (AMS), said, ‘International openness and
collaboration are essential to mathematical progress,’ and this year’s ICM, ‘will
powerfully demonstrate the importance of these civilizational values.’
ICM 2026
is organised by the International Mathematics Union, and will be hosted at the
Pennsylvania Convention Center, in Philadelphia, 23-30 July.
In a statement, the IMU said: “Promoting international
exchange is at the core of the IMU’s mission. At a time when international
collaboration and science face serious challenges, we strongly believe that
holding the ICM in person in Philadelphia is especially important.
"We understand
the concerns about entering the United States, as well as about feeling safe
and welcome in Philadelphia and at the Congress. The Local Organizing Committee
is fully committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all
participants and has recently made additional arrangements to help mitigate
risk.”
The IMU said recordings of all sessions would be made
available online.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
