Icelandic Mathematical Society
On 31 October 1947, the Icelandic Mathematical Society Icelandic: Íslenzka stærðfræðafélagið) was founded in Reykjavik when Ólafur Dan Daníelsson was 70.[1] The society records:
“On Friday, 31 October 1947, which was the seventieth birthday of Ólafur Daníelsson, he gathered in his home several men and set up a Society. The purpose of the Society is to promote co-operation and promotion of people in Iceland who have completed a university degree in a mathematical subject. The Society holds meetings at which individual members explain their mathematical topics and, if desired, discussions on the topic will be conducted.”[2]
There were 15 founders of the Society. They were: Thorkell Thorkelsson, physicist, Brynjólfur Stefánsson and Árni Björnsson, actuaries, Bolli Thoroddsen, engineer; Sigurkarl Stefánsson and Leifur Ásgeirsson, mathematicians; Stein˛ór Sigurðsson and Trausti Einarsson, astronomers; Kr. Guðmundur Guðmundsson, security mathematician; Sveinn Þórðarson, physicist; Guðmundur Arnlaugsson, mathematician; Gunnar Böðvarsson, engineer; Thorbjorn Sigurgeirsson, physicist; and Björn Bjarnason, mathematician.[3]
It is worth noting that the Society had not yet adopted the name 'Icelandic Mathematical Society' at this stage.[3]
Currently, the Society has nearly 300 members and functions as the umbrella organization for mathematicians in Iceland.[1]
Early years of the Society
It was the aim of the Society that people should engage in discussions about their mathematical endeavors and share their ideas with one another.[3]
The first lecture was delivered by Daníelsson himself.[3] He spoke "about the circle transcribed by the outer circumference of the triangle" and calculated its length relative to the radius of the inscribed circle and the circumference of the triangle. This result has been published in the Danish Mathematical Journal.[3] However, this had been a longstanding contemplation for him, as the initial foundations of this subject could be traced back to an article he wrote in 1900, published in the same journal.[3] In this regard, the topic itself carried a sense of antiquity, yet it had recently witnessed a fresh comprehension shortly before his presentation.[3]
During the first decade of the Society, approximately 4 or 5 lectures were delivered every year. The Society experienced rapid growth as new members soon joined and contributed by presenting their lectures.[3]
During the first few years, Bjarni Jónsson and Sigurður Helgason often delivered lectures and attended meetings regularly in the subsequent years.[3]
Activities
One of the primary activities of the Society involves holding monthly meetings, during which either a member or a guest delivers a talk on various mathematical topics.[1] Before the presentation, the members traditionally gather for coffee and Danish pastries, fostering a conducive environment for discussing mathematics.[1] Over time, well-known mathematicians like Dr. André Weil and Dr. Paul Erdös have graced these gatherings with their guest talks.[1] Notably, Dr. Erdös delivered three talks during his initial visit to Iceland and one more on his subsequent visit.[1] Illustrating the diverse range of talks held at these monthly meetings, the last three presentations were as follows:
- "Mathematics: Professional Development for Teachers and Enrichment for Students" was delivered by Dr. Uwe Leck and Dr. Ian Roberts, affiliated with Europa-University in Flensburg, Germany, and Charles-Darwin University in Darwin, Australia, respectively. Their talk likely focused on innovative approaches to enhancing both teacher development and student enrichment in mathematics education.
- "The Social Cost of Carbon Dioxide – Mitigating Global Warming Whilst Avoiding Economic Collapse" was presented by Dr. Christopher Kellett from the University of Newcastle, Australia. This talk likely explored the critical issue of the social and economic implications of carbon dioxide emissions and strategies for mitigating global warming.
- "Convey’s Napkin Problem" was discussed by Dr. Anders Claesson from the University of Iceland. This talk likely delved into Convey's intriguing napkin problem, a fascinating mathematical puzzle or challenge that might have relevance in various fields.[1]
These diverse talks reflect the Society's commitment to showcasing a wide array of mathematical topics and fostering an intellectually stimulating environment for its members and guests..[1]
In addition to its regular activities, the Society actively engages in various significant initiatives and collaborations.
Since 1952, the Society has been presenting a prestigious book award to recognize exceptional performance in mathematics at the matriculation examination, encouraging and celebrating academic excellence.[3]
In 1984, the Society played a pivotal role in organizing the Nineteenth Nordic Mathematical Congress in Reykjavik, a significant event that brought together mathematicians from the Nordic countries to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas.[3]
In 1990, the Society organized a notable conference at Laugarvatn to commemorate Bjarni Jónsson on his 70th birthday.[3]
Since 2001, the Society has been hosting the biannual conference "Stærðfræði á Íslandi"/"Mathematics in Iceland."[1] This conference attracts 40-50 participants and features a program conducted in Icelandic.[1] The talks encompass diverse topics, including mathematical research, teaching, and the practical applications of mathematics in industry.[1]
Starting from 2003, the Society has collaborated with the Physics Association of Iceland, the Chemical Society of Iceland, and the Stjarna Sciences Association of Iceland to publish RAUST, the journal of science and mathematics.[3]
Collaborations
The Society collaborated with other Scandinavian mathematical societies to publish Mathematica Scandinavica and Nordisk Matematisk Tidskrift.[3] In 1953, both journals were released and Sigur-karl Stefánsson was appointed as the editor.[4]
The committee of Danish Mathematical Society, Fabricius-Bjerre, wrote a letter to inform Danielsson about the journal and the financial support they would provide.[4] The funding was planned to be allocated in proportion to the number of inhabitants in each respective country, resulting in a set support of 1% for Iceland.[4] The Ministry of Education in Iceland was the pioneering entity to provide financial support for the establishment of Mathematica Scandinavica.[4] Subsequently, significant grants were provided by the Icelandic Life Insurance Companies to facilitate its setup.[3] The decision to adopt the name 'Icelandic Mathematical Society' was therefore influenced by the Society's active participation in publishing Mathematica Scandinavica.[2][3]
During the Annual General Meeting of the Society on January 12, 2010, the Statutes of the Icelandic Mathematical Society underwent a revision.[3] Here is an indication of these Statutes:
“The Society is called the Icelandic Mathematical Society. Its home and base is in Reykjavík. The purpose of the Society is to:
(i) Be a forum for professional discussions for mathematicians and others interested in mathematics.
(ii) Introduce and promote mathematical research in Iceland.
(iii) Promote mathematical education and general mathematical knowledge in Iceland.
(iv) Promote the relationship between mathematicians within and outside the country and represent the members of the Society to related non-governmental organisations.
Members are required to have completed a university degree in mathematics or related subject and are then only considered after at least three years of university studies following graduation.
The Board of Directors of the Company shall be composed of five members, i.e. a chairman and four co-chairs. The chairman shall be elected for one year at each annual general meeting, but the board of directors for two years. The chairman handles the day-to-day management of the Society. The Annual General Meeting has the supreme authority in the affairs of the Society and will be held in January each year.
Those who have worked outstandingly for the Society's goals may be chosen as honorary members.”[2]
The Society has bestowed honorary membership upon three individuals.[3] They were Ólafur Dan Daníelsson, Leifur Ásgeirsson and Sigurður Helgason.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Hafstein, Sigurður F (2017). "The Icelandic Mathematical Society". European Mathematical Society Magazine (106): 32.
- ^ a b c "Um félagið | stæ.is". www.stae.is. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Icelandic Mathematical Society". Maths History. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
- ^ a b c d Branner, Bodil (September 1, 2003). "On the Foundation of Mathematica Scandinavica". MATHEMATICA SCANDINAVICA. 93 (1): 5.