Over 2,300 Mathematicians Sign Petition to Move ICM 2026 Out of US
International mathematicians cite US foreign policy and safety concerns, comparing protest to opposition against Russia's ICM hosting over Ukraine war
Quick Look
- More than 2,300 mathematicians from at least 76 countries have signed a petition demanding the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians be moved out of the US, citing safety concerns linked to US foreign policy.
- The protest mirrors previous opposition to Russia's hosting over its invasion of Ukraine.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The ICM is the world's most important mathematics conference and the venue for awarding the prestigious Fields Medal. The 2026 event is scheduled for Philadelphia in July. Similar protests occurred when Russia was set to host ICM, citing the country's invasion of Ukraine.
In the world of mathematics, the United States is becoming an outlier. The International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) – the world's most important mathematics conference and the venue for awarding the prestigious Fields Medal – is facing worldwide opposition because the US is hosting this year's event in Philadelphia in July. More than 2,300 mathematicians from at least 76 countries have signed an online petition to “move the 2026 ICM out of the US” and “commit not to participate in the ICM if it is to be held in the US”. “Just as many mathematicians objected to Russia's hosting of ICM on the basis of its invasion of Ukraine, we argue that the current American government disqualifies the US from hosting the ICM in 2026,” according to the letter, referring to the Ukraine war that started in February 2022. “We emphasise that the violence perpetrated internationally by the US government directly connects to the primary concern of safety and well-being of conference participants,” the letter said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
ICM organizers will face increasing pressure to address the petition
Likely · Within weeks
Debate will continue until the event in July 2026
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the ICM organizers respond to the petition?
- Will the US government address the safety concerns raised?
- How many mathematicians will actually boycott the conference?
