PROMOTION OF MATHEMATICS,
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MECHANICS

Text prepared by Dr Đorđe Baralić

The Mathematical Institute of SASA has, over the last decade, become one of the leading institutions in the promotion of science in Serbia and abroad. Popularization of mathematics, mechanics and computer science is an integral part of our mission and of our contribution to Serbian society and to humanity as a whole. It also is one of the pillars of our international collaboration. Every year our researchers take part in over a hundred projects, events, seminars, lectures and workshops aimed at increasing awareness of the importance and significance of the mathematical sciences throughout the history of civilization and in modern times.

May, Month of Mathematics

The M³ initiative is the most extensive and longest-running continuous science promotion programme in Serbia, having started in 2011. Jointly organised with the Centre for Science Promotion, it has become a national event over the past decade that celebrates the mathematical sciences, taking place simultaneously in various locations across the country. Highly regarded by children, teachers, and the general public, M³ creates a vital connection between the MISASA and future researchers, students, and the media. Approximately 100,000 individuals visit and participate in M³–related programmes annually. Each year, M3 features exhibitions, lectures by distinguished mathematicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists, workshops for children, film screenings, scientific cafés, and various other activities. A new theme and slogan are chosen each year to raise public awareness of the importance of mathematics and its applications across different fields and aspects of human life.

Women in Mathematics Day

Since 2020, the MISASA has celebrated Women in Mathematics Day to honour the achievements of women in this field and raise awareness of their contributions. In particular, alongside the events held worldwide on May 12 to commemorate the birthday of Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani — the first woman to receive the prestigious Fields Medal in 2014 — the MISASA, in collaboration with the Seminar for Mathematics and Music and the Mechanics of Machines and Mechanisms — Models and Mathematical Methods Seminar, organises two to three panel discussions, round tables, and talks. These events aim to highlight the work of female mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia, while also promoting greater inclusivity in science.

Bridge of Mathematics

The Bridge of Mathematics is a two-day event held every May in the charming town of Vrnjačka Banja, the capital of Serbian tourism. Organised by the Young Mathematician Society, it has received support from the MISASA since its inception. Our involvement in shaping the programme for this festival includes teacher training, public lectures, and a special mathematics quiz known as the Bridge of Mathematics. This quiz connects children from Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Turkey. The event is a successful part of our efforts to support and build partnerships with enthusiasts in mathematics, STEM initiatives, and the promotion of science in rural areas and locations outside major university centres.

Collaboration with the Mathematical Society of Serbia

The Mathematical Society of Serbia (DMS) is the largest network of mathematicians and computer scientists in the country, uniting researchers, educators, and enthusiasts. DMS is dedicated to supporting the development of the mathematical sciences and fostering international collaboration. Its most significant activities focus on enhancing the teaching of mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as organising competitions for elementary and secondary school students in these fields. DMS collaborates with the Mathematical Institute of the SASA on various initiatives to promote mathematics. The MISASA researchers actively participate in the State Seminar for the Teaching of Mathematics and in preparing national teams for international Olympiads in mathematics and informatics.

Collaboration with the Children’s Innovation Centre

After several years of successful collaboration, the Children’s Innovation Centre (DIC) in Belgrade and the MISASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership. DIC provides space for mathematics and AI workshops for children during Vukobratović Days of Robotics, its main annual event celebrating robotics and the pioneering work of Miomir Vukobratović, a Serbian engineer in the field. At the same time, DIC teams contribute to initiatives such as M3 through workshops that highlight the relevance of the mathematical sciences to robotics and motion planning.

Collaborations with Schools and Science Clubs in Serbia

The MISASA is continually exploring ways to support enthusiastic teachers and schools that organise their own science festivals, particularly M3 and the International Day of Mathematics. It has established meaningful collaborations with various institutions, including the Mathematical Grammar School in Belgrade, Palanačka Gimnazija in Smederevska Palanka, the First Kragujevac Gymnasium, Zemunska Gimnazija in Zemun, Elementary School “Dositej Obradović” in Orahovac, Elementary School “Svetozar Marković” in Velika Hoča, Elementary School “Milun Jakšić” in Banje, and Gymnasium and Elementary School “Branko Radičević” in Kosovska Mitrovica. Additionally, collaborations extend to Regional Science Clubs in Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac.

May Month of Mathematics (M3), “Milun Jakšić” Primary School, Banje (AP Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia), 2025		May Month of Mathematics (M3), “Milun Jakšić” Primary School, Banje (AP Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia), 2025
May Month of Mathematics (M3), “Branko Radičević” Primary School, Kosovska Mitrovica, 2025		May Month of Mathematics (M3), National Museum in Kragujevac, 2025