Certain groups are severely underrepresented in mathematics. Unfortunately, this lack of representation is even more pronounced in the subject of operator algebras. Underrepresented groups include or are related to gender, ethnic minorities, and particular socioeconomic classes, including first-generation college and university students. These populations provide a valuable untapped resource for mathematics, as well as for humanity, and we would all benefit if more individuals from these groups became involved in and contributed to mathematics and mathematically-related fields.
Creativity and innovation depend on diversity, the open flow of ideas, free exchange of information, opportunities for conversation, and circumstances that allow for and promote seemingly disparate ways of thinking to be connected and combined.
This page contains items to promote inclusion and involvement in operator algebras and mathematics. We welcome feedback on these resources, as well as suggestions for more items to include. To give feedback or provide suggestions, please visit our contact page.
WOA! Women in Operator Algebras is a network to promote and advance the work of female mathematicians in the field of operator algebras.
The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and the AWM ADVANCE Grant provide support for WOA!.
WOA: Women in Operator Algebras, the first WOA! conference, took place at the Banff International Research Station, November 4--9, 2018.
Inaugural Women in Operator Algebras Workshop a Success by Dawn Archey, published in the AWM Newsletter, Volume 49, No. 1, January-February 2019.
Groundwork for Operator Algebras Lecture Series (GOALS) is a program for early graduate students interested in learning more about Operator Algebras. GOALS uses a combination of mini-courses, problem sessions, and expository talks to provide graduate students with an accelerated introduction to the basics of operator algebras. GOALS aims to increase participation and retention by persons from traditionally underrepresented groups by removing technical barriers to the field and building a strong community of support among the participants, contributors, and organizers. The program often concludes with a culminating workshop in which leading experts in operator algebras provide accessible overviews of their research programs to participants. Moreover, to promote the sense of community, follow-up events and reunions are organized for the various cohorts of participants.
Young Mathematicians in C*-Algebras (YMC*A) is an annual conference arranged by junior researchers (graduate students and recent PhDs) for junior researchers, with the goal of fostering scientific and social interaction between young researchers. It covers the area of operator algebras (C*-algebras as well as von Neumann algebras, despite the name) as well as applications and other interactions with adjacent fields. Senior researchers may be invited to contribute.
Young Women in C*-Algebras (YWC*A) is a mini-workshop for young women in C*-algebras, which is typically held jointly with or as a component of the Young Mathematicians in C*-Algebras (YMC*A) conference.
YWC*A 2018, Leuven (website no longer available)
The Operator Algebras Mentor Network works to retain women and other underrepresented groups in operator algebras by providing mentoring, allies, and networking opportunities.
Operator Theory Talks for Early Researchers (OTTER) provides mathematical, professional, and social talks aimed at early-career researchers in Operator Theory or Operator Algebras.
SUBgroups offers small online peer groups for first-year math grad students.
AIMS and the Next Einstein Initiative. The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centers of excellence for post-graduate training, research, and public engagement in mathematical sciences. Their mission is to enable Africa’s brightest students to become innovators that propel scientific, educational, and economic self-sufficiency.
The Accidental Mathematician, a blog written
by Izabella Laba.
Professor Laba's blog contains a wealth of information about academia and the issue of
gender imbalance in mathematics. The following posts are particularly thought provoking:
An Annotated Bibliography of Work Related to Gender in Science
by Greg Martin.
This bibliography can be a useful reference for a variety of purposes. One can browse
the bibliography to become familiar with various aspects of important issues. Or,
if writing a grant proposal, the bibliography can aid in finding
references and quotations from source material without having to scour the
literature on one's own.