Centennial
of the Royal Spanish
Mathematical Society

There were some institutional addresses and a talk by the prominent Spanish mathematician José Luis Fernández Pérez, which played an important role in the reconstitution of the RSME in 1997. The talk, entitled Olé las Matemáticas, focused on the social relevance of mathematics and the role of the RSME.

The address of the minister of Education, Ángel Gabilondo.

Invited talks were delivered by leading Spanish mathematicians from different generations and top-level foreign speakers. These included one of the recipients of a Fields Medal at the ICM2010 and the young winners of the last two José Luis Rubio de Francia Awards from RSME. They covered a wide range of subjects and, together with the special sessions, showed the vitality of Spanish mathematics and its relationship to major research schools in the most scientifically advanced countries.

Ávila, the city hosting the congress, is a beautiful town, renowned for its medieval walls, with pleasant spots inviting one to take leisurely strolls. The whole region is known for its scenery and gastronomy. We are certain that the congress provided ample opportunities to enjoy a visit to Ávila and the surrounding countryside for those who could extend their stay.

And there was a small social program, where, besides having fun, participants had the occasion to talk about mathematics in a more relaxed atmosphere. One advantage of not having to use big instruments is that ideas can flow at any time (and be written in an envelope or a napkin).

Therefore, the RSME organized on its centennial a Congress of young researchers where both the speakers and the Scientific Committee were young Spanish mathematicians working in Spain and other countries. Working on relevant problems and placed within worlwide mathematics, young people are the guarantee of the future of mathematics in Spain. We are in good hands.

For the Royal Spanish Mathematical Society, this meeting was also a good opportunity to bring the Centennial to our students.

Itinerant exhibiton: in Salamanca (February), Valladolid (March), Palma de Mallorca (April), Bilbao (May), Pamplona (June), Gijón (July and August), Zaragoza (September), Madrid (October), Sevilla (November), Valencia (January 2012), Málaga (February 2012), Barcelona (March and April 2012), Albacete (May 2012) and Granada (June to December 2012). Dates are approximate; see exact dates in the calendar tab.

November 19 and 20, Bilbao

A day on arts, mathematics and magic. In the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, on November 19. More information.

Meeting of the Committee for Raising Public Awareness of Mathematics of the European Mathematical Society, in the Guggenheim Museum.

October 20 to 23, Albacete

Seminar on Mathematical Instruction: Calidad y educación matemática. Organized jointly by RSME and Federación Española de Sociedades de Profesores de Matemáticas, it was held in the associated center of the UNED in Albacete. More information.

November 16, Madrid

Presentation ceremony of the gallery on mathematics, science and technology El árbol de las matemáticas, web promoted by the Real Sociedad Matemática Española and the Fundación Universia on the occasion of the centenary.

The Senate of Spain hosted the closing ceremony of the centenary of the RSME. This event, held in the Hall of Europe, addressed issues of science policy and education in mathematics. The president of the Senate chaired the session and other distinguished personalities attended the ceremony.

The closing ceremony had two parts. In the first one, early in the morning, after the speeches by the President of the Senate and the RSME, some other short presentations focused on the hundred-year history of the RSME, the role of women, the future of research, and education and employment in Spain. A lecture was given by the outstanding mathematician Michael Atiyah. Prominent Spanish and foreign mathematicians were present.

In the second part, at the end of the morning and of a solemn character, a Closing Declaration promoted by the RSME on the status and importance of mathematics was read. At the end it was signed by the authorities of the State and distinguished members of the mathematical community.

Schedule of the closing ceremony.