GEMS of Combinatorics

GEMS of Combinatorics (Gender Equity in the Mathematical Study of Combinatorics) is a two day conference that will be held virtually on Zoom. It has three primary goals:

(1) Celebrate the latest research in combinatorics and discrete math by those who identify as gender minorities in mathematics,

(2) Discuss gender equity in the combinatorics community, and

(3) Gauge interest in such events for future in-person conferences.

Who: Anyone at any career stage who identifies as a gender minority in combinatorics is welcome to participate in GEMS of Combinatorics.

What: The conference will consist of research talks as well as group discussions on gender equity issues in combinatorics.

Where: GEMS of Combinatorics will take place on Zoom..... but stay tuned for updates about an in-person event in the future!

When: September 1, 2021 (11am-4pm Eastern US time) and September 2, 2021 (1pm-6pm Central European Time).

Why: It is due time to broaden the conversation around gender and gender equity in our mathematical communities. We see a need for mathematical spaces inclusive of all gender minorities, and we hope that events like this one will facilitate that. We also firmly believe that it is essential that discussions surrounding gender and gender equity be intersectional; in the sense that they intertwine the topics of race, sexuality, ability, class and more.

The discussion sessions each day are intended to be a space for participants to discuss topics of importance to our community in a safe and supportive environment. We ask for participants to suggest discussion topics on the registration form. We will use these suggestions to create breakout rooms with assigned discussion topics, and participants will join the discussion in the breakout room of their choice. GEMS organizers will serve as discussion moderators to the extent needed to keep the discussion moving and prevent trolling or harassment, however we aim for the discussions to be as free and open as possible.