http://smf.emath.fr

What is SMF ?

Established in 1872, SMF is one of the oldest mathematical learned societies world-wide. SMF is a state-approved non-profit making association. Its purpose is the advancement and dissemination of pure and applied mathematical studies.

Scientific activities

SMF is in charge of the Centre International de Rencontres Mathématiques (CIRM) at Luminy and participates in the organisation of a number of national and international conferences and scientific meetings, together with mathematical societies around the world (USA, Canada, Tunisia, Scandinavia, Benelux, etc.).

SMF is the main editor in France of high-level books and journals. Among the titles are Bulletin de la Société Mathématique de France and Mémoires, Astérisque, Cours Spécialisés, Documents Mathématiques, Panoramas et Synthèses, Séminaires et Congrès, Revue d'Histoire des Mathématiques, Texts and Monographs.

Promotion of mathematics

By means of various activities designed for a large audience, SMF contributes to promoting mathematics. With the Société de Mathématiques Appliquées et Industrielles (SMAI), SMF published in 2002 a booklet "Explosion des Mathématiques" introducing mathematics and some of its applications. Another booklet on " jobs in mathematics " is under preparation. SMF organises meetings on a regular basis whose purpose is to raise public awareness on mathematics (on March 18, 2004, a one day meeting at the Pompidou Center was devoted to "La Face Cachée des Mathématiques"). Every other year, SMF awards the d'Alembert Prize, whose aim is to encourage the propagation of mathematical knowledge. SMF participates in organisational activities contributing to promoting mathematics: Animath, Math-en-Jeans, as well as in "Actions Sciences", whose aim is to attract more young students towards scientific studies.

SMF and education

Through its committee for education, SMF is highly concerned with questions related to mathematical studies in the French educational system. This committee organised a number of debates centred on various subjects, all connected with mathematics and education. The SMF contributed to the creation of a think-tank group on the teaching of mathematics, which was later officially launched by the Minister of Education who nominated a committee (CREM) (http://smf.emath.fr/Enseignement/CommissionKahane/).

Contact

smf@dma.ens.fr