Why mathematicians are boycotting their biggest conference

image via New Scientist

March 26, 2026, 2:00 PM

• •Mathematicians are threatening to boycott the ICM, the field's largest gathering, if held in the U.S.
• •The petition cites U.S. military actions, visa suspensions, and ICE presence as reasons for the boycott.
• •The boycott mirrors the IMU's decision to move the 2022 congress out of Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
• •The French Mathematical Society announced that it would skip the event.
• •The American Mathematical Society acknowledged concerns but emphasized the importance of international collaboration.

Over 1,500 mathematicians are threatening to boycott the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) if it is held in the U.S. this summer, citing concerns over recent American military actions and immigration policies. The petition mirrors the IMU's decision to move the 2022 congress out of Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine, criticizing a perceived double standard. Some mathematicians are concerned about attending the event due to the U.S. policies. The petition highlights the ongoing debate within the mathematics community about balancing international collaboration with political realities.

Read original article