What Is the Chinese Mathematical Society (CMS) and What Does It Do?

Updated

The Chinese Mathematical Society (CMS) is the national academic society for Chinese mathematical professionals and a constituent part of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST). Its stated purpose is to unite mathematicians, promote the development of mathematics, support the growth of scientific talent, and contribute to China's science and technology enterprise. If you are a mathematician, student, educator, or simply someone looking for authoritative Chinese mathematical news, competitions, awards, or conferences, the CMS website at cms.org.cn is the primary entry point.

What the CMS Is

According to its own description, the CMS is:

  • A legally registered academic social organization of Chinese mathematical workers.
  • A member of CAST (China Association for Science and Technology).
  • Guided by a mission to unite mathematicians, advance mathematics, and foster scientific talent.

Its governance and structure are documented on the site, including the society charter, supervisory board regulations, organizational structure, and archives.

Main Activities and Programs

The CMS organizes and supports a broad range of activities. Based on the site's navigation and content, these include:

Academic Conferences and Annual Meetings

  • The CMS Annual Academic Conference (e.g., the 2026 conference is announced with a first-round notice).
  • Historical annual meetings and cultural forums are archived.
  • Conference information and notices are published under news and announcements sections.

Awards

The CMS administers several prestigious mathematics awards:

Award Named After
Hua Luogeng Prize Hua Luogeng
Chern Shiing-Shen Prize Shiing-Shen Chern
Zhong Jiaqing Prize Zhong Jiaqing

These are listed under the "学会奖项" (Society Awards) section.

Mathematics Competitions

The CMS is involved in major national and international competitions, including:

  • National High School Mathematics League (全国高中数学联赛)
  • National High School Mathematics Winter Camp (全国中学生数学冬令营)
  • International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Chinese Team
  • Chinese Girls' Mathematics Olympiad
  • National College Student Mathematics Competition

Competition news and updates are published under the "数学竞赛" (Mathematics Competitions) section.

Science Outreach and Public Lectures

The CMS participates in national science outreach, such as the National Science Popularization Month. For example, in September 2026, it co-hosted a public lecture by researcher Gao Xiaoshan titled "Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence: Two-Way Empowerment," jointly with the China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and the Operations Research Society of China.

Research and International Engagement

  • The CMS supports mathematical research centers, including the Silk Road Mathematics Center.
  • It has been involved in Hong Kong's bid to host the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM 2030).
  • It publishes news on major mathematical achievements and international awards, such as congratulations to Chinese scholars receiving the Fields Medal.

How to Get Involved

The CMS provides pathways for participation:

  • Membership application (入会申请): Available via the website.
  • Member login (会员登陆): For existing members.
  • Member regulations (会员条例): Details on membership terms.
  • Member area (会员专区): Resources and information for members.

The site also lists contact information and links to provincial and municipal mathematical societies.

Where to Find Information

The CMS website (cms.org.cn) organizes content into clear sections:

  • News (学会新闻, 科学新闻): Society and science news.
  • Notices and announcements (通知公告): Conference notices, funding opportunities, and expert lists.
  • Mathematics conference information (数学会议信息): Upcoming events.
  • Awards (学会奖项): Prize details.
  • Competitions (数学竞赛): Competition news and results.
  • Mathematics centers (数学中心): Research center updates.
  • Member area (会员专区): Membership resources.

The site also has an English version and a mobile site, with a link to the old version.

Key Takeaways

  • The CMS is China's national mathematical society and a CAST member.
  • It runs major competitions, awards, conferences, and outreach programs.
  • Membership and participation are open through the website.
  • cms.org.cn is the authoritative source for CMS news, notices, and resources.

For the most current details on membership fees, application requirements, or specific event registration, check the relevant sections directly on the CMS website, as these details may change.