Mathematics in the LAC region: a report for IMU

A. SOLOTAR; ANGEL PINEDA; LUIS CACERES DUQUE; CARLOS DI PRISCO; JOSE A. DE LA PE~NA

Guanajuato

Mesa redonda; Mathematical Congress of the Americas; 2013

Mathematicouncil of the Americasal C

The Commission for Developing Countries (CDC) of the International Mathematical Union (IMU) conducted a study of mathematical development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to identify projects which would most positively impact developing nations. This article presents the highlights of the report. The report was carried out using surveys from mathematicians in LAC and online resources. Mathematical development was visualized by the number of publications per capita as a measure of efficiency in translating mathematical talent to research output. A country in the top 25% (Venezuela) is 123 times more efficient than a country in the top 75% (Honduras). This mapping highlights both the variability and potential for growth. LAC was the region of the world with the highest growth in publications from 1999-2007. Latin America and the Caribbean have large untapped potential for mathematical talent which could be developed with support for mathematics education and research networks.