Alejandro S. González-Martín1 and Ghislaine Gueudet²

1Université de Montréal, Département de Didactique, Canada, a.gonzalez-martin@umontreal.ca; ²Université Paris-Saclay, UR EST, France, ghislaine.gueudet@universite-paris-saclay.fr

INDRUM2024 (https://indrum2024.sciencesconf.org/) was the fifth conference of the International Network for Didactic Research in University Mathematics (https://hal.science/INDRUM). Since its creation in 2014, INDRUM has aimed to contribute to the development of research in didactics of mathematics at all levels of postsecondary and tertiary education, with a particular focus on supporting emerging researchers in the field and fostering dialogue with mathematicians. Following four highly successful conferences—in 2016 (Montpellier, France), 2018 (Kristiansand, Norway), 2020 (Bizerte, Tunisia, held online), and 2022 (Hannover, Germany)—the INDRUM Network Scientific Committee (INSC) decided to continue the biennial conference cycle. The fifth INDRUM conference was held in Barcelona, Spain, from June 10-14, 2024, hosted at the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM, see more details at https://www.crm.cat/indrum-2024).

The INSC nominated the INDRUM2024 International Programme Committee (IPC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), with some common members to facilitate the coordination of both committees. The IPC was composed of:

Alejandro S. González-Martín (University of Montreal, Canada), IPC Chair,

Ghislaine Gueudet (Université Paris Saclay, France), IPC Co-chair,

Ignasi Florensa (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), Berta Barquero (University of Barcelona, Spain), Matija Bašić (University of Zagreb, Croatia), Laura Branchetti (University of Milan, Italy), Erik Hanke (University of Hannover, Germany), Thomas Hausberger (University of Montpellier, France), Mitsuru Kawazoe (Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan), Elena Nardi (University of East Anglia, UK), Frode Rønning (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway), Heidi Strømskag (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway), María Trigueros (Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico), Olov Viirman (Uppsala University, Sweden).

The LOC was composed of:

Ignasi Florensa (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), LOC Chair,

Jordi Cuadros (IQS – Univ. Ramon Llull, Spain), Laura Fernández-Ruano (IQS – Univ. Ramon Llull, Spain), Iria Fraga (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), María Josep Freixanet (Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, Spain), Nathan Lombard (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), Kristina Markulin (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), Víctor Martínez-Junza (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), Noemí Ruiz-Munzón (EUSS – Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain), Lídia Serrano (Universidad de Deusto, Spain).

The first announcement, published in June 2023, outlined the structure of the conference. Similar to the two previous INDRUM conferences, INDRUM2024 addressed themes related to teacher and student practices, the teaching and learning of specific mathematical topics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as across disciplines. Accepted scientific contributions were to be organised into thematic working groups, determined based on the submissions accepted. The programme also featured a workshop for early-career researchers, a plenary lecture by Marianna Bosch (University of Barcelona, Spain) with a reaction by Yves Chevallard (University of Aix-Marseille, France), an expert panel discussion on the theme “Mathematics for non-specialists”, and a poster exhibition.

Although English was the primary language of the conference, the linguistic context of the host country was acknowledged, as in previous INDRUM conferences. Authors were therefore allowed to write and present their paper or poster in Spanish or Catalan, provided the presenter ensured accessibility for the linguistically diverse audience through English-language slides or handouts. Additionally, INDRUM2024 was the fifth INDRUM conference to be recognised as a Topic Conference by the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education (ERME).

In response to the call, 109 papers and 27 posters were submitted. The review process, coordinated by the chair and co-chair, followed principles discussed among the IPC. Each paper was reviewed by a member of the INSC or another expert researcher, as well as by an author or co-author of another paper. Posters were reviewed by the chair, the co-chair, and one of the INDRUM Co-coordinators (Elena Nardi). For submissions with divergent reviewer opinions, final decisions were made following IPC discussions. At the conclusion of the review process, 77 papers and 25 posters were accepted, with 32 additional papers reassigned as posters. Some authors withdrew their contribution, resulting in 76 papers and 39 posters being included in the pre-proceedings.

Given the number of accepted contributions and the keywords provided by the authors, the IPC decided to organise five balanced thematic working groups (TWG). The chair and co-chair proposed the allocation of papers and posters, which was approved by the IPC. TWG co-leaders were appointed from among INSC members and paper authors, with attention to geographical diversity, gender balance, and the inclusion of colleagues who had not recently or previously served as leaders. We were grateful that all invited TWG leaders were able to accept our invitation. The second announcement, published in May 2024, included the following list of TWGs and their co-leaders:

TWG1: Teaching and learning of analysis and calculus

Chairs: Erik Hanke (Germany), Rafael Martínez-Planell (Puerto Rico)

TWG2: Teaching and learning of linear and abstract algebra

Chairs: Yael Fleischmann (Norway), Megan Wawro (United States)

TWG3: Mathematics and other disciplines

Chairs: Matija Bašić (Croatia), Ida Maria Landgärds-Tarvoll (Norway)

TWG4: Teacher education and knowledge

Chairs: Imène Ghedamsi (France), Pedro Nicolás (Spain)

TWG5: Teachers’ and students’ practices and experience

Chairs: Athina Thoma (United Kingdom), Olov Viirman (Sweden)

The second announcement also included the conference timetable, which allocated 14 hours for work within the TWGs. It provided the title of the plenary, announcing it was followed by a reaction, as well as the title of the plenary panel and the names of the panel chair and panelists. The four panelists were selected by the IPC, which chose to invite two mathematics education researchers—one specialised in mathematical modelling and the other in mathematics for economics—alongside a researcher in chemistry education and a researcher in physics education. The details are outlined below:

Plenary talk: Teaching inquiry at the university: in need of mathematical infrastructures: Marianna Bosch (University of Barcelona, Spain).

Reaction to the plenary talk: Yves Chevallard (University of Aix-Marseille, France).

Plenary Panel: Mathematics and other disciplines: epistemological issues and their impact on teaching practices at tertiary level

Chair: Laura Branchetti (University of Milan “La Statale”, Italy)

Frank Feudel (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany)

Felix Ho (Uppsala University, Sweden)

Ricardo Karam (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

Noemí Ruiz Munzón (Escola Universitària Salesiana de Sarrià, Barcelona, Spain)

Elena Nardi (University of East Anglia, United Kingdom) and Megan Wawro (Virginia Tech, USA) conducted a workshop for INDRUM early-career researchers titled “Starting to write journal articles”. Drawing on two of their published papers, the workshop aimed to share experiences and foster discussion on the challenges of preparing a manuscript for submission to a mathematics education research journal, particularly in the area of university mathematics education. Participants explored strategies to address these challenges effectively.

The conference pre-proceedings were prepared by Nathan Lombard and Ignasi Florensa, and were made available on the conference website by the end of May. Meanwhile, the LOC finalised preparations to welcome delegates to Barcelona, Spain. A total of 160 participants from 25 countries registered for the INDRUM2024 conference (see Table 1). For the first time, 10 grants covering registration and accommodation were offered to attendees, thanks to support from the CRM.

Algeria

1

Germany

12

Norway

13

Australia

1

Greece

4

Puerto Rico

1

Austria

2

Ireland

3

Spain

22

Belgium

1

Israel

2

Sweden

4

Canada

4

Italy

8

Switzerland

1

Croatia

5

Japan

6

United Kingdom

9

Czech Republic

1

Mexico

21

United States

14

Denmark

2

Netherlands

1

 

 

France

20

New Zealand

2

 

 

Table 1: Participants and their countries, INDRUM 2024

INDRUM2024 marked several milestones and set new records for the INDRUM conferences. It received the highest number of submissions to date, resulting in the largest number of accepted presentations. Consequently, INDRUM2024 also had the highest number of registered participants. Additionally, INDRUM2024 became the longest INDRUM conference, spanning five days, and featured the most extensive allocation of hours dedicated to work within TWGs. Furthermore, as noted earlier, it was the first INDRUM conference to offer grants to participants, fostering greater inclusivity and accessibility.

The opening and closing sessions were dynamic and engaging, thanks to the efforts of the LOC. The work within the TWGs was equally lively, with stimulating exchanges and interaction among delegates. The TWG leaders actively encouraged meaningful engagement and collaboration among participants. They also prepared summaries of their group’s work, which were presented during the closing session. The proceedings include the full papers (10 pages) and poster presentations (2 pages) contributed to the conference.

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the IPC and LOC, as well as the CRM support team (with special thanks to Núria Hernández Martín!), for their dedicated efforts over many months in organising the conference and ensuring its smooth execution. We extend our appreciation to all TWG co-leaders for their invaluable contributions in making INDRUM2024 a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants. A special thanks also goes to Nathan Lombard for his outstanding work on both the pre-proceedings and these proceedings.

The INDRUM2024 closing ceremony included the announcement of some exciting news. We are pleased to share that the Chair, the co-Chair and LOC Chair of the conference are forming a team of potential guest editors who will propose a special issue for an international journal. Authors of accepted contributions (papers or posters) from INDRUM2024 will have the opportunity to submit an expanded, updated, or reworked version of their work to align with the theme of this special issue. Submissions will also be open to contributors outside the INDRUM2024 conference, marking a significant milestone for INDRUM. Unlike previous proceedings-focused special issues, this initiative will centre on a thematic special issue. Further details will be shared soon.

Finally, we are also delighted to announce that INDRUM2026 will be held in Dubrovnic, Croatia, from June 15-19, 2026. The Local Chair will be Matija Bašić, with Chris Rasmussen (USA) serving as IPC Chair and Imène Ghedamsi (Tunisia and France) as co-Chair. The INDRUM2026 website (https://indrum2026.sciencesconf.org/), currently under construction, will be updated with information as soon as it becomes available.

We now invite you to explore this volume and hope its contents inspire you to join or continue your engagement with the ambitious and dynamic INDRUM network.