Understanding maths... why? Keys to understanding

Why understand maths? Because we too often confuse the state of teaching with the vitality of research, when they are two different realities. Mathematics is first and foremost a tool for shaping citizens capable of understanding the world around them. It is also a pleasure, a play on ideas, a joy in grasping order in the midst of disorder. Finally, it remains the indispensable language of engineers, scientists and the most advanced research.

Math is all of these things at once: learning, happiness, a horizon for the future.
 

This conference is organized by Étienne Ghys, perpetual secretary of the Académie des sciences.

With contributions from:

• Stanislas Dehaene, member of the Académie des sciences, professor at the Collège de France, chair of Experimental Cognitive Psychology.
• Étienne Ghys, perpetual secretary of the Académie des sciences, director of research emeritus at the CNRS.
• Stéphane Mallat, member of the Académie des sciences, professor of applied mathematics at the Computer Science Department of the École normale supérieure (DI ENS, CNRS/ENS-PSL), Paris and 2025 CNRS Gold Medalist.
• Laure Saint-Raymond, member of the Académie des sciences, professor at the Institut des hautes études scientifiques at the Université Paris-Saclay.

This episode of Keys to Understanding will be hosted by Mathieu Rouault, science journalist at Grand Labo.

⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION - FILMED CONFERENCE ⚠️

We would like to inform you that this conference is being filmed.

By entering the room, you accept that your image or voice may be recorded and used as part of the broadcast of this event.

If you wish to avoid appearing in the video, we invite you to:

Prefer seats at the back or sides of the room.
Inform a member of our team at the entrance for any questions or specific needs.