Maths and Society Seminar: Changing the Models? Brussels,

ABOUT THE SEMINAR

On June 27 and 28, the conference "Maths and Society" in Brussels will explore questions and perspectives on the use of mathematics and data science in social intervention and sustainable development. How can mathematics contribute to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals more effectively? What kind of mathematical models do we want for sustainable development? We believe it is necessary to take stock of the models we already use and to better understand and build, through participatory action research, the models that will enable us to move forward as responsible human beings.

Find out more about the two-day seminar-workshop below, support our project and take part! We look forward to discussing the models with you.

PRACTICAL

What: Two-day seminar and workshop on the societal role of maths and models.

When: Thursday, June 27 from 9 am to 6 pm (seminars) and Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9 am to 6 pm (participatory workshops on social intervention, gift economy, transdisciplinary formalisms, artificial intelligence, environment, etc.).

Where: Thursday at the Palace of the Academies (Hertogstraat 1 - 1000 Brussels) - Friday at Usquare (Kroonlaan 227, 1050 Elsene).

Registration: Participation is free but please register here.

More info: Website Convivial Planet here.

DYNAMIC UNDERSTANDING AND MODELLING

Quantitative approaches are many and varied, widely used in some scientific fields and much less so in others. Debates often focus more on objectives than on the means of achieving them. It is these means of analysis, research, and action that we want to examine here from a historical, dynamic, and forward-looking perspective. Mathematics can be used to model the impact of different types of intervention. For example, the World Bank uses a mathematical model to assess the impact of various poverty reduction programs, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) uses a mathematical model to monitor countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our aim is to put different models on the table and encourage new forms of interaction between these existing or yet-to-be-created models and all those involved in society.

PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

How can researchers, social players, citizens and businesses work together, taking into account the points of view and interests of all concerned, including future generations? One model for developing impact projects is based on the principle of “participatory action research”. We want to offer an incubation space for these projects by facilitating ‘matching’ between partners from different backgrounds. We also propose sharing experiences and tools with players at different levels with experience of action research.

PROGRAM

Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 9 am to 6 pm. Understanding models to be able to evolve through a series of seminars (speakers below)

Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9 am to 6 pm. Tools to be shared for action research. Decentralized work through thematic workshops and pooling of results.

SPEAKERS

Didier Baudewijns, Antoine Bodin, Sandra Bohmann, Noémi Bontridder, Evo Busseniers, Frank Deconinck, Nahla Dhib, Francine and Marc Diener, Giovana D’Inverno, Gaël Giraud, Olivier Martin, Anna Mergoni, Zdena Middernacht, Ides Nicaise, Majid Sameti, Julien Scheepers, Goéric Timmermans, Natacha Zuinen, ...