Lecture: The Benefits of Mathematics

10 May 2022

This lecture will offer us a historical perspective, going back to the very origins of humankind, to show us how mathematics has allowed us to advance our understanding of the universe we live in and proven key to the development of new technologies and the creation of well-being and wealth in society.

The session will take place at Pirineos Campus, Room PIR 0.1, on 19 May at 12:30 p.m.

Manuel de León


Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), he is currently a member of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences. In 2007 he founded the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (ICMAT), accredited as a Centre of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Science. He is the vice-president of the Royal Spanish Mathematical Society (RSME). He has received multiple awards, including the Science in Action medal and the RSME medal, in recognition of his outstanding career as a researcher.

He was the Coordinator of the Spanish Committee in the World Mathematical Year 2000, President of the Spanish Mathematical Committee (CEMAT) in 2004-2007, and President of ICM2006, the International Congress of Mathematicians held in Madrid in 2006. He was also a Member of the Executive Committee of the International Mathematical Union (IMU) in 2007-2014, and of the International Science Council, (ICSU, now ISC) in 2014-2018.

Throughout his lengthy career, he has supervised 12 doctoral theses and published a large number of articles in prestigious international journals. He plays a central role in knowledge dissemination, with 10 published books, numerous articles in the media, and conferences in educational institutions and museums. He publishes the blog Mathematics and Its Borders, which has received two awards. He also participates in studies to analyse the way mathematics are taught, and is the current Director of the Estalmat program.