EGMO, an all-female international maths competition in Bordeaux

Founded in 2012 and organised by Animath, the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) has now established itself as a leading international competition, open to participants from all over the world. Hosted for the first time in France on the campuses of the University of Bordeaux between April 9^th and 15^th, thanks in particular to the involvement of CNRS researcher Xavier Caruso from the Bordeaux Institute of Mathematics (IMB), this event aims to encourage schoolgirls to pursue scientific studies and to increase the visibility of women in mathematics. 

The tests, spread over two mornings at the University of Bordeaux, featured short but challenging maths problems that required, above all, ingenuity, original ideas and relevant proofs rather than lengthy calculations. The participants had previously been selected from among the best students in their countries following demanding national competitions.

Record turnout in Bordeaux

For many, this experience went beyond the purely academic. Luliia, from Kazakhstan, is not likely to forget the experience. “Everything made an impression on me. Even during the exam, it was very emotionally intense!” A sentiment shared by Keisha, from the UK, who emphasises the benefits gained from the competition: “I think I’ve developed resilience and a lot of creativity.”

Despite their different backgrounds, the two young women agree on one key point: the importance of perseverance. “You just have to keep working and constantly improving.” Buoyed by her week in the Gironde region, Keisha is already encouraging other schoolgirls to give it a go: “My advice? Go for it! You’ll always take something positive from it.”

With 250 participants, and just as many people involved in organising and supporting the young contestants (volunteers, teachers, researchers, and students), this edition is the largest international maths Olympiad ever held in France in over forty years, with 66 countries registered (a record!). The University of Bordeaux helped to host the delegations, organise the competitions on its campuses and set up a programme of cultural and scientific activities, such as ‘Women and Science’ meetings and excursions to Saint-Émilion and the Dune du Pilat.

Promoting young womens’ place in mathematics

By creating such memories and bringing women together around a shared passion for maths, the EGMO aims to help combat gender stereotypes. Indeed, according to the French Mathematical Society, whilst existing biases are now better identified, the proportion of women in mathematics, at all career stages, has barely increased over the last thirty years. By hosting this event, the University of Bordeaux reaffirms its commitment to equality and the promotion of women in science.