c Alleged rule breaches probed By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 (To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.) Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said law enforcement agencies are investigating cases where police officers are suspected of breaching property rules and will give a full account to society. Speaking to reporters before the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mrs Lam said nobody is above the law. “The law will be applied in the same manner regardless of the status, the background, the political affiliation of that particular person. “As far as I am concerned, as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong and also as an individual, no law-breaking behaviour is acceptable. But it is not for me to stand here to judge each and every case because every case or every complaint has to be investigated and analysed by the law enforcement agencies. “I am sure that they will do it as diligently as possible and will give a full account to society, especially given the recent concerns.” Full Article
c Honours, awards exercise deferred By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The 2020 honours and awards selection and appointment of Justices of the Peace (JPs) exercise will be postponed, as well as the announcement of the list of honours and awards and JP appointments, the Government announced today. It decided to defer the exercise to accord top priority to the ongoing anti-epidemic work and implementation of measures to retain employment, support businesses and ease people's livelihood in the face of challenges arising from the COVID-19 epidemic. The Honours List and JP appointments will be announced on October 1 instead of July 1 as in previous years, the Government added. Full Article
c KRACK Wi-Fi flaw: What you should know By www.techworld.com Published On :: Mon, 16 Oct 2017 14:50:00 GMT Several fundamental weaknesses have been exposed in the most common Wi-Fi security protocols. Full Article
c Techworld unveils the techies 2018 winners By www.techworld.com Published On :: Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:18:00 GMT The winners were revealed at a glitzy party in Shoreditch on 22 February Full Article
c New and upcoming tech IPOs By www.techworld.com Published On :: Wed, 04 Apr 2018 07:30:00 GMT Here are the tech companies that are planning to launch on the stock market this year Full Article
c Tech that will change banking and the way we save By www.techworld.com Published On :: Wed, 18 Apr 2018 14:11:00 GMT Full Article
c What is Hdac? Blockchain tech advert scores on World Cup TV By www.techworld.com Published On :: Fri, 06 Jul 2018 11:55:00 GMT Here is some insight into the first ever blockchain advert Full Article
c Trainline launches AI disruption alerts for Google Assistant By www.techworld.com Published On :: Mon, 17 Sep 2018 12:20:00 GMT The coach and rail journey app has launched a new AI voice app for automated disruption alerts Full Article
c Uber's most notable news and announcements By www.techworld.com Published On :: Fri, 19 Oct 2018 12:01:00 GMT All the details on Uber's biggest announcements as well as updates on the controversial company's trials and tribulations Full Article
c Latest Facebook news and announcements By www.techworld.com Published On :: Fri, 19 Oct 2018 13:00:00 GMT Full Article
c John Lewis Partnership selects four startups to reduce plastic waste By www.techworld.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 09:00:00 GMT The partnership will join hands with four UK startups as it hopes to reduce plastic waste as part of its retail tech initiative, JLAB Full Article
c UK government launches £10 million Edtech strategy By www.techworld.com Published On :: Wed, 03 Apr 2019 12:38:00 GMT Education secretary, Damian Hinds, wants schools across the UK to “take advantage of all of the opportunities available through Edtech” in the government's new strategy Full Article
c Technologists lead crowdsourced Coronavirus Tech Handbook response By www.techworld.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2020 09:00:00 GMT A group of technologists has led crowdsourcing efforts to create a single repository of information for specialists fighting the Coronavirus outbreak. Techworld speaks with founder Edward Saperia to hear more about how collaboration tools can help the efforts Full Article
c Tech unicorns ask chancellor for access to emergency loans By www.techworld.com Published On :: Thu, 09 Apr 2020 08:17:00 GMT The 'unicorn letter', sent by some of the best-funded private technology companies in the country, asks the chancellor to form an urgent taskforce to give them access to government-backed lending schemes during the pandemic Full Article
c How Onfido raised $100 million at the peak of a pandemic By www.techworld.com Published On :: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:01:00 GMT The UK-based digital identity specialist managed to raise a bumper round during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is looking at ways to apply its technology to help combat the global crisis Full Article
c Government unveils COVID-19 support package for startups By www.techworld.com Published On :: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 08:30:00 GMT The Treasury has announced a new set of financial measures aimed at helping startups during the coronavirus pandemic, including a £250 Future Fund for startups with at least £250,000 in funding Full Article
c Tech Nation launches virtual 'Office Hours' event for female founders By www.techworld.com Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:55:00 GMT The virtual-based office hours is to connect female founders with early-stage VC investors who will provide business advice and investments Full Article
c Expa launches UK office for European startups By www.techworld.com Published On :: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT The US-based 'startup studio' will launched a London office to welcome European startups Full Article
c Monzo takes current account switching crown By www.techworld.com Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 08:37:00 GMT The digital challenger bank is now the most switched to bank in the UK as Nationwide Building Society loses its long-held top spot Full Article
c Furloughed workers offered free JavaScript courses By www.techworld.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 11:37:00 GMT Companies with large numbers of furloughed workers are offering staff an introductory course in JavaScript coding, thanks to the European coding bootcamp, Codeworks. Full Article
c More rent concessions approved By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The Housing Authority’s Commercial Properties Committee today approved the extension of rent concessions to over 8,300 non-domestic tenants or licensees for six months from April 1 to September 30. The authority had earlier granted a 50% rent concession to its eligible retail and factory tenants for six months from April 1. Under the extension, their rent concession will be increased to 75% over the same period with retrospective effect from April 1. The rent concession does not include rates and air-conditioning charges. The authority said such further measures are to support the Government's new series of measures announced in early April to relieve the financial burden of individuals and businesses. A total of 2,450 retail and 3,300 factory tenants will benefit from the approved increase in the rent concession. The 75% rent concession will also be extended to cover tenants and licensees of bus kiosks and most advertising signboards, as well as car park users for the monthly parking of commercial vehicles. About 40 tenancies for bus kiosks, 80 advertising signboards and about 2,500 car park users stand to benefit from the concession. Tenants of premises in the authority's properties which are required to be closed under relevant regulations or the Government's directions, may also apply to the authority for a 100% rent concession for the period during which they are required to be closed. The authority added that the approved measures will be implemented as soon as possible. For rent and licence fees already paid for the months of April and May, arrangements will be made for offsetting in the payment for subsequent months. The committee has approved three rounds of rent concessions since last September. Together with this round, the total rent and licence fees foregone by the authority is estimated to reach more than $1 billion. Full Article
c Coach drivers scheme opens By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The Tour Service Coach Drivers (Mainly Serving Tourists) Support Scheme, under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund, is open for applications from today to June 5, the Government announced. The scheme will provide each tour service coach driver with a one-off subsidy of $10,000 and aims to benefit about 9,300 drivers. In addition, the Government explained that the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund includes other tourism industry support measures. Applications for the Hotel Sector Support Scheme are being accepted until May 18, while the deadline to apply for the Travel Agents & Practitioners Support Scheme is June 15. Click here for more details. Full Article
c Support scheme applications set By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The Government will launch the Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments & Party Rooms under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund on May 11. A sum of $1.1 billion has been earmarked for the scheme, which is expected to benefit 12,400 beauty parlours and massage establishments as well as 500 party rooms. The subsidy is expected to be disbursed from late this month. Under the scheme, each eligible beauty parlour or massage establishment will receive a one-off tiered subsidy of $30,000, $60,000 or $100,000, depending on its number of workers. Each eligible party room will receive a one-off subsidy of $40,000. Applications will only be accepted online. The application deadline is May 17. The scheme also covers premises which are operated by social enterprises. For premises with business registration, social enterprise operators should file their applications through the online application system. Those without business registration should directly approach the Hong Kong Council of Social Service at 2864 2993 or by email to obtain its certification and submit their applications. Call 1836 188 or send an email for enquiries. Full Article
c ID card replacement to resume By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The Immigration Department announced today that the operation of all nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres will be fully resumed on May 11 in light of the more stabilised epidemic situation. The department earlier suspended the replacement of Hong Kong identity cards at the centres to avoid the increased risk of spreading COVID-19. To arrange for people affected by the service suspension to replace their identity cards in an orderly manner, the Secretary for Security has made an amendment order to revise the replacement period for people born in 1957 to 1963 and 1970 to 1976 and the arrangement for members of the sixth term of District Councils. Click here for the arrangements. If the replacement of identity cards needs to be suspended again in the future to cope with a sudden turn of the epidemic situation, the amendment order also provides that if all the centres are not in service for a period of 21 working days or more from May 11 to July 27 for public health reasons, the specified period for the above people will be further extended or amended. The amendment order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 13 for negative vetting. To reduce crowd gatherings, applicants who have not made appointments previously should do so via the Internet, the department’s mobile application or the 24-hour hotline at 2121 1234. The department also appealed to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointments through the Internet or mobile application. For details click here or call 2824 6111. Full Article
c Anti-epidemic fund committee meets By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung today chaired the Anti-epidemic Fund Steering Committee's fifth meeting to examine the implementation progress of the host of measures launched under the fund. The committee noted the details of over 20 second-round relief measures have been announced since the Legislative Council Finance Committee approved the $120.5 billion injection to the fund on April 18. Other measures will be launched as soon as possible to provide timely relief to the affected sectors and individuals. The committee also noted that the fund has paid out over $13 billion, and many businesses and members of the public have gradually received subsidies. Mr Cheung said the measures aim to preserve employment and assist the self-employed, provide additional relief to those sectors hard hit by the pandemic and pave the way for the post-pandemic economic recovery. “We will continue to process applications and disburse subsidies as soon as possible to help businesses and members of the public tackle the challenges caused by the pandemic and to support enterprises, safeguard jobs and relieve people’s burden," he stressed. For the Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme which provides a one-off subsidy of $80,000 to eligible retailers, about 93,000 applications were received. The committee was pleased to note that the scheme has been disbursing subsidies progressively and over $2.7 billion in subsidies have been approved so far, involving about 33,000 applications. Full Article
c HKEx chief not to seek reappointment By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited (HKEx) today announced that Charles Li will not seek reappointment as Chief Executive at the end of his current contract in October 2021. The Government said it respected Mr Li's decision and expressed deep appreciation for his exemplary contribution to the development of the financial market during his tenure as HKEx Chief Executive in the past decade. Since taking the helm in January 2010, he has led HKEx and Hong Kong’s capital market in achieving important breakthroughs one after another. The vibrancy and growth that Mr Li has brought to Hong Kong in the capital market helps reinforce the status of Hong Kong as a leading international financial centre. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said: "Thanks to his vision and leadership, Mr Li has laid a solid and strong foundation for our stock market, rendering Hong Kong the largest IPO market in the world for seven times in the past 11 years. "He has been instrumental in the successful launch of mutual market access programmes between Hong Kong and the Mainland, notably the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect in 2014, which was expanded to include Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect in 2016 and Bond Connect in 2017. "He also played a pivotal role in the launch of new listing regime in Hong Kong, the enhanced internationalisation of HKEx and its international visibility. These are all important achievements of HKEx in the past few years under Mr Li’s able leadership."Mr Chan added that the Government is confident the HKEx board will continue to ensure the success of HKEx in the years to come. Full Article
c Foreign currency reserves up By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 Hong Kong’s foreign currency reserve assets rose to US$441.2 billion in April from March’s US$437.6 billion, the Monetary Authority announced today. The reserve assets represent over six times the currency in circulation or about 46% of Hong Kong dollar M3. Including unsettled foreign exchange contracts, the foreign currency reserve assets at the end of April increased to US$440.7 billion from March’s US$437.6 billion. Full Article
c Land advisory committee meets By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The Development Bureau today briefed the Land & Development Advisory Committee on the major recommendations of the Planning & Urban Design Review for Developments at Kai Tak Runway Tip (KTRT). Members noted the planning objectives, design principles and key study recommendations for the KTRT developments, including the existing and planned public open spaces as well as the Tourism Node site included in the 2020-21 Land Sale Programme. They generally supported the recommendations of the KTRT study and provided comments on various aspects, such as ways to attract people to KTRT, the connectivity to and within the area, and promotion of healthy city and kid-friendly concepts. The committee was also briefed on the proposed two-envelope tender arrangement, which refers to evaluation of both design and price proposals, for disposal of Site 3 of the New Central Harbourfront. With a total area of 4.75 hectares, the site will comprise a commercial development in separate blocks mainly for office and retail, with a total gross floor area not exceeding 150,000 sq m, to be built alongside a spacious public open space of no less than 25,000 sq m to be opened round-the-clock. There will be a continuous landscaped deck spanning across the site in a north-south direction, allowing visitors to walk all the way from the hinterland of the Central Business District to the harbourfront. While noting that the two-envelope approach was rather unconventional for government land sale, members agreed that the approach would allow both quality and price considerations to be taken into account, and the setting of a reserve price would ensure reasonable protection to public revenue. Full Article
c Policy studies funding announced By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 About $31 million in funding has been given to support 79 projects under the special round of the Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme, the Government announced today. A total of 210 applications were received for the special round, which was launched last November to fund local research institutions and think tanks to research topics relating to the underlying causes of the social incidents that took place in the second half of 2019. The research may also cover important political, economic, cultural and societal issues relating to deep-seated problems of society. Assessment of the applications received under the special round was conducted by the independent assessment panel chaired by and comprising experienced academics. The research quality of the proposal and relevance to the themes of the special round were the principal assessment criteria, with consideration given to factors such as whether the research proposal was solution-oriented, feasible and practical, whether the methodology was reasonable and sound, the applicant’s capability and whether the proposed budget was cost-effective. The assessment panel took a holistic view on each research proposal, reached a collective decision and made recommendations, the Policy Innovation & Co-ordination Office said, adding that a declaration of interest system was in place to ensure the assessments were fair and impartial. In general, a sum of up to $500,000 has been granted to each approved project under the special round. The approved projects have commenced progressively and are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the first batch to be completed in late September to early October. Click here for details of the funded projects. Full Article
c Alfred Sit visits Science Park By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit today met representatives of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and research and development centres (R&D) specialising in innovations winning recognition worldwide. While touring the Hong Kong Science Park, Mr Sit visited the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute, the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute and HKSTPC. He met representatives of HKSTPC start-ups that specialise in healthcare technology, artificial intelligence, chips, material science and vehicle safety technology. Some start-ups have participated in the StayHomeSafe mobile app. Mr Sit noted that Science Park is a breeding ground for local innovation and technology that shows tremendous strength. He emphasised that with the concerted efforts of the HKSTPC and all R&D centres, batches of R&D talent have been nurtured, with their innovations winning recognition worldwide. Their work has also helped consolidate Hong Kong's R&D strengths, promote applied R&D and foster commercialisation of R&D results, he added. On the application of technology solutions in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the secretary pointed out that the electronic wristbands and StayHomeSafe mobile app used for home quarantine arrangements, the NASK Nanofiber Smart Mask supplied to the Hospital Authority and the CuMask are all R&D achievements from Science Park. Mr Sit said he hoped that with the collaborative efforts of the HKSTPC and R&D centres, the I&T development in Hong Kong will be further promoted, driving economic development and improving people's livelihood. Full Article
c Christopher Hui visits registry By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today visited the Companies Registry (CR) to inspect its operation. Mr Hui visited the New Companies Section, the Public Search Section and the Document Management Section at the registry and spoke with staff there to learn about their work conditions and the services that they provide. He said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong's overall economy. “To help enterprises cope with their operating pressure amid the economic downturn, the Financial Secretary announced in the 2020-21 Budget the waiver of registration fees for annual returns, except for late delivery, charged by the CR for two years. “And with a view to encouraging the wider use of the CR's electronic services, we also propose to reduce the fees payable in relation to the incorporation of companies, including registration of non-Hong Kong companies, through electronic means by 10%." The Companies (Fees) (Amendment) Regulation 2020 gazetted today will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on May 13 for the waiver and reduction to take effect from October 1. The waiver of registration fees for annual returns will benefit about 1.4 million companies. Mr Hui added that he was pleased that the CR has been providing electronic services for filing of documents and company searches. He appealed to the department to adopt wider use of technology, adding that a business-friendly environment is needed more than ever in the process of economic recovery. Mr Hui also expressed gratitude to CR staff for their dedication in providing public services amid the pandemic. Full Article
c Police involved in offences arrested By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 Police today said it is highly concerned about recent criminal offences involving police officers and that a number of these officers have been arrested. Among them, officers in connection with serious offences have been or will be interdicted. The force said it is furious and disappointed about the officers who are suspected of having breached the law and that the incidents have impaired public confidence in Police. Police attach the utmost importance to the discipline and integrity of officers. All officers, irrespective of their ranks, must abide by the law at all times. Police management has zero tolerance towards any acts that breach the law or discipline by police officers, it added. The force also said it attaches great importance to the integrity of its officers. The Complaints & Internal Investigations Branch formulated the Integrated Integrity Management Framework to promote integrity and honesty among officers as well as to regulate their discipline and conduct. To avoid similar incidents, Police said its management is reviewing the force’s internal management strategy. Police reiterated that no bad element in the force can be tolerated. If an officer is suspected of having breached the law or committed a breach of discipline, Police will conduct an investigation according to the established mechanism and take appropriate actions. Full Article
c CusMask safe for use: Alfred Sit By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 The CuMasks have undergone strict testing and certification processes before the product will be distributed to help people combat the COVID-19 virus, Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit said today. Mr Sit’s remarks came amid public concerns over the safety of the free reusable face masks that the Government plans to distribute to all Hong Kong citizens. Addressing reporters after attending a radio programme this morning, Mr Sit said: “The product has gone through a very comprehensive and clear testing and certification process. “The product can fully comply with the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) F2100 Level 1 requirement, so that the product can fully meet the need of protecting our people from COVID-19. “I have to emphasise that this whole process must be done by proper laboratories and that’s what we have done.” Mr Sit noted that a dedicated website on the CuMask has been set up that contains information on the testing reports of the masks. “For those people who may not have a complete understanding about our product, they may go to our website so that they can see the reports and certificates. “I fully hope this product can help our people to combat COVID-19.That’s what we would like to do." Full Article
c SJ offers advice to youngsters By www.news.gov.hk Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:00:00 +0800 There have been arrests, prosecutions and convictions of youngsters and students resulting from the social unrest since June last year. Recently, explosives and chemicals were found by Police. It would be catastrophic if they were used for unscrupulous purposes. Some of the youngsters might have been mistakenly led to believe that use of violence should be considered as a means to achieve their aspirations. However, I hope that they appreciate that law-breaking behaviour would always have legal consequences. It is very troubling to see from the media reports that underage children or students are taking part in unlawful activities and even getting involved in violence. In so doing, they would not only put their own and others' safety at risk, but could also be arrested and prosecuted resulting in criminal records upon convictions. Their future in education and employment would inevitably be affected. There are misleading suggestions that all young offenders would only be cautioned under the Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme without criminal records. One must understand that Police, in deliberating whether to administer a caution, have to take into account a number of factors, such as whether the juvenile offender was under the age of 18 at the time of committing the offence; the seriousness and nature of the offence; whether the offender voluntarily and unequivocally admits the offence; whether the offender is remorseful and so on. Therefore, the scheme does not apply to all young offenders indiscriminately. Similarly, bind over orders are only appropriate for first-time offenders involving minor offences and they have to be agreed by the courts. Under the bind over arrangement, offenders are required to admit the wrongdoings and are admonished in an open court. They also need to give an undertaking to the court to be of good behaviour. Imprisonment might be imposed for breaching the undertaking. Before agreeing to such a procedure on specified conditions, the prosecution has to give considerations to various factors including the age of the offender, criminal record, and attitude of the offender such as remorsefulness and so on. There are also comments that prosecutions against young offenders should be withdrawn on the basis of public interest. I have to stress again that the Department of Justice (DoJ) must strictly make our prosecutorial decisions in accordance with admissible evidence, applicable laws and the Prosecution Code. The non-exhaustive list of considerations to be addressed when making assessment in considering public interest, including those applicable to juvenile offenders, were set out in 5.9 and 15.4 of the Prosecution Code, which include the nature of the offence, the seriousness of the offence, the criminal history of the suspect, remorsefulness of the suspect and the sentencing options available to the court and so on. Prosecutors should follow the above principles in making their decisions and must not withdraw charges unjustifiably under the pretext of public interest. In considering the above arrangements, the DoJ has to carefully examine the circumstances of each case in an objective manner and strictly in accordance with the established principles. A decision cannot be made solely based on the age of the offenders. Their legal representatives are not only duty bound to inform them of their rights but also have an obligation to remind them of the legal consequences and the availability and considerations in relation to the above arrangements. As observed by Lord Diplock, "[t]he acceptance of the rule of law as a constitutional principle requires that a citizen, before committing himself to any course of action, should be able to know in advance what are the legal consequences that will flow from it". Every member of the public must be aware that one has to bear the legal responsibility resulting from law-breaking behaviour. I sincerely hope that every one, in particular the youngsters, should exercise their independent thinking and judgement, and, more importantly, stay away from violence and not commit mistakes that might ruin their lives in the future. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng wrote this article and posted it on her blog on May 9. Full Article
c "The AMS and Science Policy," a Capital Currents blog post by Karen Saxe By www.ams.orghttps Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EST Full Article
c Top ways to use free AMS math content By www.ams.org Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EST Full Article
c Karin Melnick receives Birman Fellowship By www.ams.org Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EST Karin Melnick of the University of Maryland, College Park, has been awarded the AMS Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars for the 2020–2021 academic year. Melnick’s research is on differential-geometric aspects of rigidity. This work comprises global and local results relating the automorphisms of a differential-geometric structure with the geometric and topological properties of the space. Melnick also works in smooth dynamics, in which an invariant differential-geometric structure plays an important role in the proof of rigidity theorems. Melnick is a leader in research on the Lorentzian Lichnerowicz conjecture, a statement about conformal transformations of compact Lorentzian manifolds. Together with collaborators, she has developed new techniques in the setting of Cartan connections that have facilitated progress on this problem, as well as many results for other differential-geometric structures and general parabolic Cartan geometries. Brief Biography of Karin Melnick: Melnick received her PhD at the University of Chicago in 2006 under the direction of Benson Farb. With an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, she went to Yale University as a Gibbs Assistant Professor. She received a Junior Research Fellowship from the Erwin Schrödinger Institute in the spring of 2009 and that fall began at the University of Maryland, where she is now an associate professor. Previously, Melnick has been awarded an AMS Centennial Fellowship and an NSF CAREER grant. She divides her time between the U.S. and Germany with her partner and their young child, and is very grateful for the flexibility provided by the Birman Fellowship and the opportunities it provides to advance her research and career goals. About the Fellowship: Established in 2017, the AMS Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars seeks to give exceptionally talented women extra research support during their mid-career years. The primary selection criterion for the Birman Fellowship, which carries a stipend of US$50,000, is the excellence of the candidate’s research. Read an interview with Joan Birman about her decision to create the Fellowship with the goal of "helping more women mathematicians to develop their creative voices." See more information about the Fellowship. [% ams_include('pao-contact') %] * * * * * The American Mathematical Society is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs. Full Article
c 2020 National Academy of Sciences Elections By www.ams.org Published On :: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EST 17 individuals in the mathematical sciences are among the 126 new members and foreign associates elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 2020. Members: Ivet Bahar, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Abhijit Banerjee, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Gerard Ben Arous, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University; Bonnie Berger, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Laura G. DeMarco, Northwestern University; Ronald Fagin, IBM Almaden Research Center; Katherine Freese, The University of Texas at Austin; Dennis Gaitsgory, Harvard University; Robert L. Griess, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Jacob Lurie, Institute for Advanced Study; Terence T. Hwa, University of California, San Diego; Wilfried Schmid, Harvard University; Jeffrey D. Ullman, Stanford University; Lai-Sang Young, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University; and Ofer Zeitouni, Weizmann Institute of Science; Foreign Associates: Yoav Benjamini, Tel Aviv University (Israel) and Jürg Fröhlich, ETH Zurich (Switzerland). Berger, DeMarco, Griess, Schmid, and Zeitouni are members of the AMS and Fellows of the AMS. Fagin is a member of the AMS. The NAS recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and—along with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine—provides science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations. See the full list of this year's honorees. (Image courtesy of the National Academy of Sciences.) Full Article
c Modeling COVID-19: A new video describing the types of models used By www.ams.org Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EST Below, Mac Hyman, Tulane University, talks about types of mathematical models--their strengths and weaknesses--the data that we currently have and what we really need, and what models can tell us about a possible second wave. At the beginning of the video, he thanks the mathematics community for its work, and near the end says, "Our mathematical community is really playing a central role in helping to predict the spread, and help mitigate this epidemic, and prioritize our efforts. …Do not underestimate the power that mathematics can have in helping to mitigate this epidemic—-we have a role to play." See the full set of videos on modeling COVID-19 and see media coverage of mathematics' role in modeling the pandemic. Full Article
c "Mathematics and the Family Tree of Sars-Cov-2," the May Feature Column by Bill Casselman By www.ams.org Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 00:00:00 EST Full Article
c Math in the Media - May 2020:John Conway, "magical mathematician", Topological analysis of zebrafish, teaching online... By www.ams.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 EST Full Article
c 2020 Mathematical Art Exhibition gallery on AMS Mathematical Imagery By www.ams.org Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 EST Full Article
c <strong>UPDATED:</strong> Access MathSciNet and other AMS content during COVID-19 closures By www.ams.org Published On :: Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 EST updated April 1, 2020 In response to current challenges that colleges and universities face as a result of the spread of COVID-19, the American Mathematical Society is offering libraries and institutions additional support, in line with recommendations in the ICOLC Statement on the Global COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Library Services and Resources. The AMS is also participating in the Copyright Clearance Center Education Continuity License program, providing access to our content for distance learning and other educational uses at no cost to the user. We are extending grace access for content hosted on our platforms (including MathSciNet) through the end of May for our existing customers. We will re-evaluate this timing as needed. As courses transition to online, we can provide instructors with complimentary electronic “reserve” copies of our textbooks for cases in which students do not have access to their print copies. E-books purchased through the perpetual access model on the AMS platform are always available DRM-free with unlimited simultaneous use. In addition, we are partnering with ProQuest to allow multi-user access through mid-June to all e-books purchased on their platforms. Read ProQuest’s statement. We are providing remote access to all our content, including MathSciNet. In normal circumstances, this remote access can be set up while on campus or while connected via institution VPN (in order to validate IP-based access). We realize many students, faculty, and researchers did not have an opportunity to initiate this access before leaving campus, so we have given instructions to our library partners on how patrons can connect to our content. Please contact your librarian for assistance. Libraries: if you have not received instructions to share with your patrons, please email us at cust-serv@ams.org or be in touch about any other of your library’s needs. Review all AMS Resources & Updates. Full Article
c Perturbation de la Dynamique de Diffeomorphismes en Topologie (C^{1}) By www.ams.org Published On :: Sylvain Crovisier, University of Paris-Sud - A publication of the Societe Mathematique de France, 2013, 164 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-2-85629-764-3, List: US$67, All AMS Members: US$53.60, AST/354 This memoir deals with the dynamics of diffeomorphisms of compact manifolds. For the study of generic properties or for the construction of examples,... Full Article
c One-Dimensional General Forest Fire Processes By www.ams.org Published On :: Xavier Bressaud, Universite Paul Sabatier, and Nicolas Fournier, Universite Paris-Est - A publication of the Societe Mathematique de France, 2013, 138 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-2-85629-765-0, List: US$48, All AMS Members: US$38.40, SMFMEM/132 The authors consider the one-dimensional generalized forest fire process: at each site of (mathbb{Z}), seeds and matches fall according to i.i.d.... Full Article
c Probleme de Plateau, Equations Fuchsiennes et Probleme de Riemann-Hilbert By www.ams.org Published On :: Laura Desideri, Universite de Lille 1 - A publication of the Societe Mathematique de France, 2013, 116 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-2-85629-766-7, List: US$48, All AMS Members: US$38.40, SMFMEM/133 A note to readers: This book is in French. This dissertation is devoted to the resolution of the Plateau problem in the case of a... Full Article
c Persistence of Stratifications of Normally Expanded Laminations By www.ams.org Published On :: Pierre Berger, Universite Paris 13 - A publication of the Societe Mathematique de France, 2013, 113 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-2-85629-767-4, List: US$45, All AMS Members: US$36, SMFMEM/134 This manuscript complements the Hirsch-Pugh-Shub (HPS) theory on persistence of normally hyperbolic laminations and implies several structural... Full Article
c Microlocalization of Subanalytic Sheaves By www.ams.org Published On :: Luca Prelli, Universita degli Studi di Padova - A publication of the Societe Mathematique de France, 2013, 101 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-2-85629-768-1, List: US$45, All AMS Members: US$36, SMFMEM/135 The author defines the specialization and microlocalization functors for subanalytic sheaves. Applying these tools to the sheaves of tempered and... Full Article
c European Congress of Mathematics: Krakow, July 2-7, 2012 By www.ams.org Published On :: Rafal Latala, University of Warsaw, Andrzei Rucinski, Adam Mickiewicz University, Pawel Strzelecki, University of Warsaw, Jacek Swiatkowski, University of Wroclaw, and Dariusz Wrzosek and Piotr Zakrzewski, University of Warsaw, Editors - A publication of the European Mathematical Society, 2013, 824 pp., Hardcover, ISBN-13: 978-3-03719-120-0, List: US$128, All AMS Members: US$102.40, EMSEMC/2012 The European Congress of Mathematics, held every four years, has become a well-established major international mathematical event. Following those in... Full Article
c Metric Spaces, Convexity and Nonpositive Curvature: Second Edition By www.ams.org Published On :: Athanase Papadopoulos, Universite de Strasbourg - A publication of the European Mathematical Society, 2013, 320 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-3-03719-132-3, List: US$58, All AMS Members: US$46.40, EMSILMTP/6.R This book is about metric spaces of nonpositive curvature in the sense of Busemann, that is, metric spaces whose distance function satisfies a... Full Article