Equality, diversity and inclusion
“This event is invaluable to the women in applied mathematics community. It’s a celebratory and supportive space to share the excellent research of women across diverse fields in applied mathematics. From this, new collaborations and mentorship networks are formed, investing in the research excellence of the future.” Retreat for Women in Applied Mathematics participant 2025
“Thank you for making it possible for women with families to participate in research. It was a wonderful experience.” Research-in-Groups participant 2024
Please read on to find out more about the actions we have taken to promote ED&I at ICMS
Proposal Submission and Acceptance
- Monitor gender ratios for organisers, speakers and participants at the proposal submission stage and challenge any proposal with no female organiser or a low gender ratio for potential participants.
- Require workshop proposers to identify steps that they intend to take to improve diversity within their field.
- To put greater emphasis on gender balance when considering proposals and, if appropriate, make the acceptance of a proposal conditional upon meeting gender balance expectations for potential participants. (See: LMS)
Practical and Financial Support
- We have a clear and transparent Provision of Care policy to assist in the removal of barriers to participation, for example by offering: accommodation suitable for participants’ needs; ensure ICMS events are accessible to all participants; financial assistance for those with caring needs or responsibilities.
- Seek funding that can be used to help remove barriers to participation including for participants from DAC List countries.
- Support those who wish to participate in ICMS events but are not comfortable in approaching organisers directly.
- Make imaginative use of web and audio-visual technologies to facilitate virtual participation.
Participation and Organisation Rates
| Percentage of participants in ICMS-funded workshops who identified as female | Percentage of speakers in ICMS-funded workshops who identified as female | Percentage of organisers in ICMS-funded workshops who identified as female | |
| 2022 | 27% | 25% | 43% |
| 2023 | 25% | 29% | 30% |
| 2024 | 28% | 35% | 42% |
- Monitor ethnicity of participants to inform future plans.
- Strongly encourage workshop proposers to include at least one woman as a workshop organiser or scientific advisor.
Environment and Communication
- Create a pleasant gender-neutral working environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
- Ensure that all ICMS publications and communications including the website reflect its desire to support and nurture women and diversity in mathematics.
Governance
- Ensure that at least 30% of appointed members of ICMS’s Programme Committee and Advisory Board, and 25% of its Management Committee are women. In 2025 the percentages are as follows: 50% of the Management Committee; 35% of the Programme Committee; and 69% of the Advisory Board.
Reporting
- Report gender statistics annually to Management Committee and the Advisory Board for all activities.
Events and Activities
- Seek opportunities and funds to host events and activities for women mathematical scientists.
- Seek opportunities and funds to host events and activities to encourage diversity in the mathematical sciences.
Training
- Ensure all permanent ICMS staff have access to CPD opportunities.
