Over 2,300 mathematicians petition to move 2026 International Congresspetition to move 2026 International Congress from Philadelphia
More than 2,300 mathematicians from at least 76 countries have signed a petition calling for the International Congress of Mathematicians to be relocated from Philadelphia in July 2026, citing concerns about US government policies and their impact on international participant safety. The petition argues that current US policies disqualify the country from hosting the world's premier mathematics conference, drawing a parallel to the 2022 decision to move the congress away from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The French Mathematical Society has already announced it will not attend, and over 40 countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens regarding travel to the United States.
Boycott Organizers
Mathematicians signing the petition contend that US government actions—both domestically and internationally—create an unsafe environment for international participants who may face visa restrictions, harassment, or physical violence. They argue that hosting the conference in the US contradicts the ICM's core mission of fostering international unity and solidarity among mathematicians, and that the International Mathematical Union would fail its own stated goals by proceeding with the event in Philadelphia.
International Mathematical Union Position
The IMU has not publicly reversed its decision to hold the 2026 ICM in the United States, though the petition directly urges the organization to reconsider and move the conference to a more welcoming location that would better serve the mathematical community's interests.
- The first ICM occurred in Zurich in 1897, marking the start of global mathematical gatherings every four years.
- John Charles Fields proposed the medal in 1936 to honor young mathematicians' exceptional contributions.
- Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts major events due to its vast space and facilities.
