PiWORKS
PiWORKS is a monthly hybrid seminar series that highlights women and underrepresented gender role models and their research. The talks are aimed at undergraduate and masters students, and aim to give students a taste of the sorts of mathematics that researchers do. These talks aim to foster a community amongst researchers and undergraduate students and give a supportive environment for students to find out about the sorts of PhDs that are out there and possible academic careers. As well as talking about research, speakers often talk about their experiences being a mathematician and give advice and encouragement for the attendees.
PiFORUM
A conference for women and underrepresented genders in mathematics and related disciplines, from undergraduate students to postdoctoral researchers. The conference aims to combine student talks and plenary lectures with small group sessions covering topics on career progression and challenges that we face in academia. This year is our 5th PiFORUM, hosted at Queen Mary University of London.
A Day in the Life…
On the last Thursday of every month we post a Day in the Life vlog on our Instagram, featuring one of our Piscopia members. We want to showcase what PhD life really looks like, including the research itself, teaching, attending seminars, going to conferences and more! Check out our Instagram @_piscopia for the latest vlog.
To nominate yourself or someone else to feature in a Day in the Life vlog, please email: piscopiainitiative@gmail.com
Previous National Events
International Women’s Day 2025
For International Women’s Day 2025, several of our local committees organised celebratory events.
University of Bath
Bath hosted an International Women’s Day lunch on Friday 7 March. This was open to all undergraduates, postgraduates and staff in the Department of Mathematics, to celebrate women in maths.
University of Glasgow
The local Piscopia committee at Glasgow ran a coffee and chat morning on Friday 7 March, with lots of lovingly baked goods!
Queen Mary University of London
The local Piscopia committee at QMUL hosted a coffee & cake afternoon on Wednesday 12 March. This was an opportunity to also chat maths and ask any PhD related questions.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham hosted a PhD showcase on Wednesday 5 March. Students could hear from current PhD researchers about their experiences and find out about the best and worst parts of doing a PhD. It was also a great way to meet other students also interested in pursuing a PhD.
Mathematician of the Month
From 2023-2024, we ran a Mathematician of the Month series with the purpose of celebrating the achievements of women and underrepresented genders in mathematical research at all career stages. Click here to see the series or head to our Instagram: @_piscopia
International Women’s Day 2024
We had a whole host of events across the UK hosted by our local committees to celebrate International Women’s day on Friday 8th of March!
University of Aberdeen
Baylee, our local rep, is hosting a coffee morning with the Engineering School in Crombie A03 at 10am-12pm. Go along to hear about some of the achievements of historical (and modern day) women and underrepresented genders in maths.
University of Bath
Organised by our local rep Beth, Bath will be hosting a social lunch for everyone in the Department of Mathematics. Pop along to the Maths Social Space (4W 4.5) between 12pm and 2pm. Bring your own lunch!
University of Birmingham
Rahma, Niamh, Amy and Rosie will be hosting a PhD showcase at 12.30-1.30pm on the Physics Bridge. This event is aimed at women and underrepresented genders in mathematics that would like to know more about PhD study.
University of Edinburgh & Heriot-Watt University
The Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt committees are going to be making signs on Friday afternoon with donuts (provided). Head to ICMS Bayes Centre (Room 4.45) at 3.30pm to make signs of meet at the reception at 5pm for the March!
University of Glasgow
Laura will be hosting a Coffee & Cake meet up in Room 110 in the Maths and Stats building at the University of Glasgow – 10am til 11am. Go along to eat cake and chat about further study in maths!
University of Leicester
At Leicester, Ashleigh will be hosting a celebratory lunch for International Women’s Day. Head to the Charles Wilson Belvoir City Lounge between 12pm and 2pm – refreshments provided. Event supported by @uniofleicestercms.
University of Manchester
Alexandra is co-hosting an event alongside other STEM societies. There will be industry/alumni speakers talking about their career paths and the challenges they faced along the way. Head to the Engineering Building 11am-2.30pm.
University of Nottingham
Alice and Niamh will be hosting an Arts & Crafts competition 9am-12pm in the Maths Atrium. Bring along your best STEM-themed craft – this could be baking, painting, knitting or something else entirely! Prizes to be won!
University of York
At York, there will be a cosy evening with drinks and snacks to celebrate International Women’s Day. Come along to Dusa McDuff G/N/135 between 4pm and 7pm on the 8th March. This event is being hosted by our local rep, Beth!
University of St Andrews
At St Andrews, the committee are hosting a coffee and chat in Maths Room 228 between 12pm and 1pm. Head over to meet the committee and celebrate International Women’s Day!
Knit and Natter
We are hosting an online event! On Thursday 12th October, we will have a knit and natter – bring some snacks and a craft and join us for a relaxed social. 🧶
It will be a great opportunity to meet the people that make up our community! There’s no particular focus, but if you would like to ask questions about PhD study, we are happy to answer 😀
Make sure to sign up by 6pm on the day to receive the zoom link 🙂
Local Committee Events
Each of our committees host events throughout the year that are specific to their university.
Page last updated: 30/04/2025
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