On Friday the 26th of September, the mathematicians from the IAC3 joined La Nit Europea de la Recerca (European Researchers’ Night), an evening dedicated to bringing science closer to society through engaging activities, inspiring talks, and plenty of curiosity.
Itinerari 2: Matemàtiques vora mar (Mathematics by the Sea)
The evening began with a mathematical walk along Palma’s waterfront, guided by Ana Belén Petro, professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science, and Pep Lluís Pol, retired professor and mathematics communicator.
Starting from the esplanade in front of the Autoritat Portuària de Balears, participants explored iconic locations such as the Camí de l’Escullera, the viewpoint facing La Seu, the Passeig Sagrera, and La Llotja, discovering the hidden geometry and patterns that shape the city’s architecture and landscape.
Poster session: Mirant a través dels satèl·lits (Looking Through Satellites)
Meanwhile, IAC3 PhD students presented how mathematics and satellite data work together to study our planet.
Through the poster Mirant a través dels satèl·lits, visitors learned how thousands of Earth observation satellites orbit our planet every day, capturing valuable information about climate, oceans, forests, and cities.
These data, when processed using mathematical models, help scientists monitor natural phenomena, track the effects of climate change, and better understand the evolution of our environment.
Microxerrada: El cervell en acció: què passa quan prenem decisions? (The Brain in Action: What Happens When We Make Decisions?)
To close the evening, Dr. Catalina Vich Llompart delivered a fascinating microtalk exploring how mathematics can help us understand the mechanisms behind decision-making in the brain.
By using differential equations and computational models, researchers can describe how mammals process information, make choices, and adapt their decisions based on context and experience.
