National Mathematics Days 2025: Where Mathematics Inspires
The 31st edition of the National Mathematics Days (NWD) brought together 800 mathematics teachers from across the Netherlands and Belgium for two days filled with inspiring activities. Teachers stepped out of their classrooms to engage with other professionals from various disciplines, exploring the applications of mathematics in real world, science and art. Organised by the Freudenthal Institute (Utrecht University), the annual NWD conference continues to be the premier event for mathematics teachers seeking to engage with the professional community and enrich their teaching practices.
A Rich Diversity of Mathematical Activities
This year's event featured an impressive array of sessions across different thematic tracks, reflecting the breadth and depth of mathematics and its applications. From the urgent challenges of sustainability and climate change to the beauty of Islamic geometric patterns, participants experienced mathematics in its full spectrum.
"What makes NWD special is how it embeds mathematical concepts into a variety of real-world and scientific applications while making it all accessible and engaging" explained one of the organizers.
Mathematics in Unexpected Forms
Among the most talked-about features of this year's program were activities that showcased mathematics in unexpected formats.
The "Virtual Reality Room," developed by the Mathematical Institute at Utrecht University, allowed attendees to walk through various mathematical objects, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. In addition, participants got creative with chalk on the hotel terrace outdoors, drawing anamorphoses, where mathematical perspectives were essential for creating the right depth in the image. And in the "Figures Floating in Water" session, participants learned about the mathematical elements in synchronized swimming before creating geometric figures in the hotel pool.
Artist Samira Mian guided participants in creating intricate Islamic geometric patterns using compasses and rulers, while Henk Hietbrink's workshop explored the mathematical principles behind Muqarnas, the honeycomb vaults featured in Islamic architecture, using 3D-printed "muqarnas Lego" to build these complex structures.
Other creative approaches included mathematical embroidery (‘’curve stitching’’) and the "Sfeermakers" workshop, which used theater to present abstract mathematical and physical concepts in an engaging, accessible way.
Serious Mathematics for Serious Challenges
While the creative workshops captured imagination, NWD also emphasized mathematics' crucial role in addressing complex challenges. Thematic sessions explored how mathematical tools and thinking help tackle issues in sustainability, data visualization, and human traffic flows. The conference highlighted mathematics' interdisciplinary nature through sessions connecting mathematics with physics, biology, and medical sciences.
In his plenary lecture, Marten Scheffer from Wageningen University discussed how dynamic systems theory provides clarity in understanding diverse systems like the atmosphere, human societies, and ecosystems—likening mathematical models to a mirror world where underlying structures appear with remarkable clarity.
Marjan Sjerps from the University of Amsterdam presented on the role of statistics and probability in forensic science, demonstrating how mathematical concepts underpin evidence evaluation in criminal cases.
Take Away’s
As teachers return to their classrooms, they take home concrete ideas that can be implemented right away, as well as inspiration for motivating their students to study mathematics that will have an impact for years to come. The professional exchanges at NWD created a feeling of warm support by and within the community.
The National Mathematics Days continue to demonstrate that mathematics education thrives at the intersection of rigorous thinking and creative exploration, preparing students to apply mathematical thinking to the complex challenges of our time.
The 32nd edition of NWD is scheduled for 27-28th of March, 2026. To stay up to date, look out for updates on the NWD website or LinkedIn page.