The Development of Mathematics in France since the late XIXth Century
Presenter: Martin Andler, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin
Key Points:
- Exchanges in 1542 between France and India
- French mathematicians in India since the 1930s
- IFCAM jointly setup by India and French governments
- Tools of International Cooperation, including:
- Exploring: International Emerging Actions
- Consolidating: International Research programs
- Structuring: International Research Laboratories
- Integrating: International Research Centers
- Successful IFCAM with 68 projects and 7 workshops
- Historical overview of French mathematics from the XVI century onwards:
- Impact of the French Revolution on education and research
- Decline of Ecole Polytechnique as a scientific institution
- Emergence of Ecole Normale Supérieure as a training ground for scientists
- Impact of wars and reforms on the mathematical community
- Influence of figures like Louis Pasteur and Michel Chasles
- Post-war changes and the establishment of a French school of applied mathematics
- Challenges faced by women in mathematics, especially post-1985
- Reasons for the strength of French mathematics:
- Tradition of good teachers attracting good students
- Balance between pure and applied mathematics
- Central role of mathematics in competitive exams
Conclusion:
While French mathematics is currently strong, the future remains uncertain due to fluctuating trends in education and research funding.