The 24th Annual Conference of the China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (CSIAM 2026) was held from October 8 to 11, 2026, at the Gansu Grand Theatre International Conference Center in Lanzhou, China. Hosted by CSIAM and organized by Lanzhou University, the conference brought together more than 1,800 participants from universities, research institutions, and industry, providing a platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international engagement.

Participants at CSIAM 2026 in Lanzhou, China.

Since its inception in 1990, the CSIAM Annual Conference has grown into one of China's leading academic gatherings in industrial and applied mathematics. This year's program featured nine invited plenary talks, one public lecture, 69 thematic symposia, several specialized forums, an international embedded meeting, and more than 130 posters, with over 800 academic presentations in total. The conference covered a broad range of topics, highlighting advances in mathematical theory, scientific computing, artificial intelligence, and applications across science, engineering, and industry.

A major highlight of CSIAM 2026 was the participation of Professor Wil Schilders, President of the International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM), who addressed the opening ceremony on October 9. Speaking on behalf of ICIAM, Professor Schilders congratulated CSIAM on the conference and recognized its contributions to the international applied mathematics community. Recalling the ICIAM 2015 Congress in Beijing, he emphasized the longstanding connections between Chinese mathematicians and their international colleagues. He also highlighted the growing importance of mathematics in fields such as semiconductors, energy, biomedical science, and artificial intelligence.

Professor Schilders also delivered a public lecture exploring the changing role of mathematics in scientific computing in the era of artificial intelligence. During his presentation, he introduced the upcoming 11th International Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM 2027), scheduled for July 12–16, 2027, in The Hague, the Netherlands, under the theme "Mathematics for a Sustainable Future." He encouraged Chinese researchers, particularly early-career mathematicians, to take part in this major international gathering.

Professor Wil Schilders, President of ICIAM, introduces ICIAM 2027 during his public lecture at CSIAM 2026.

In support of participation in ICIAM 2027, CSIAM launched its "Rising Scholar Travel Program" in August 2026, aiming to support 200 outstanding early-career applied mathematicians from China in attending the congress. CSIAM also actively promoted ICIAM 2027 through its official communication channels and at its annual conference. The Society published announcements about the call for minisymposium proposals and poster abstracts, as well as the opening of registration, encouraging Chinese researchers to present their work and engage with international colleagues. During CSIAM 2026, ICIAM 2027 promotional materials were prominently displayed near the conference registration area, helping raise awareness of the upcoming congress among participants.

An ICIAM 2027 promotional banner displayed at the registration area of CSIAM 2026.

International academic exchange was another important feature of CSIAM 2026. An International Embedded Meeting, organized by CSIAM's Committee on International Exchange, provided an opportunity for dialogue among scholars from the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Australia, and other countries. Through research presentations and discussions, participants shared recent advances, explored common scientific interests, and strengthened connections across institutions and national borders. 

Speakers and participants at the International Embedded Meeting organized by CSIAM's Committee on International Exchange.

The conference also featured the Forum on Applied Mathematics Serving National Strategies and the special forum "Math+AI Toward Infinity · Women Moving Forward Together." The latter provided a platform for six early-career women researchers to showcase their scientific achievements and share their academic experiences. During a roundtable discussion, panelists from academia and industry exchanged views on the impact of artificial intelligence on mathematical research, education, and the development of young researchers. The discussion was lively and interactive, with audience members actively raising questions and sharing perspectives with the panelists. Other highlights included the CSIAM Awards Ceremony, the presentation of CSIAM Fellow certificates and Young Talent Support Program certificates, and the inaugural CSIAM Recruitment Salon, reflecting the Society's commitment to recognizing scientific excellence and supporting emerging talent.

Lively discussions and audience interaction during the "Math+AI Toward Infinity · Women Moving Forward Together" forum at CSIAM 2026.

CSIAM 2026 highlighted the value of international cooperation in advancing industrial and applied mathematics. Through scientific exchange, support for early-career researchers, and active engagement with ICIAM 2027, the conference further strengthened the connections between China's applied mathematics community and its international counterparts. CSIAM looks forward to continuing these exchanges and contributing to the global mathematical community in the years ahead.

For more information, please visit the CSIAM 2026 conference website: https://en.meeting.csiam.org.cn/#/2026/.