From Trieste to Lahore: Using Mathematics to Address Social Discrimination

A Youth Hackathon Iniative

Giacomo and Celeste, traveled from Trieste, Italy, to Lahore, Pakistan, to take part in an innovative initiative hosted by the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences (ASSMS) at Government College University Lahore.

Their visit marks an important step in strengthening the collaboration between IMM and ASSMS while demonstrating how mathematics can contribute to addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.

At the heart of the visit is the project Building Mathematical Capacity Against Social Discrimination: A Pilot Youth Hackathon Initiative. The program explores a powerful idea: mathematical thinking is not limited to abstract theories or classroom exercises. It can also be a tool for understanding complex social phenomena and developing evidence-based solutions to real-world problems.

Building Mathematical Capacity Against Social Discrimination: A Pilot Youth Hackathon Initiative

The initiative brings together young mathematicians, researchers and educators to examine issues such as discrimination, inequality and social exclusion through a mathematical lens. By combining mathematical methods with critical reflection, participants are encouraged to investigate how mathematics can help reveal patterns of inequality and support more informed decision-making.

Youth Hackaton

A central component of the program is the Youth Hackathon, held on June 13 2026. During this intensive full-day event, thirty selected undergraduate students work in teams to analyze and model real-life discrimination issues affecting STEM education and access to employment opportunities.

The participants tackle topics including inequalities in educational access, biases in hiring and decision-making processes, intersectional barriers and the spread and dynamics of social discrimination. Guided by IMM students and local faculty members, they will apply mathematical tools to develop innovative approaches to these challenges.

Beyond the technical work, the hackathon encourages collaboration, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking. Students are challenged not only to build mathematical models but also to consider the broader social implications of their findings and the practical impact of potential solutions.

Panel Event

The following day, on June 14th, the project continues with a panel event bringing together students, academics and invited guests. During the session, the hackathon teams present their results and share the insights developed during the previous day’s activities.

The panel provides an opportunity to discuss both the challenges and opportunities associated with tackling discrimination through different approaches. By placing young people at the center of these conversations, the initiative highlights the important role that future mathematicians can play in shaping more inclusive societies.

The experience

For IMM representatives Giacomo and Celeste, the experience represents much more than an international visit. It is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful educational project, and engage with students from a different academic and cultural context, within the International Mathematics Master.

As the collaboration between IMM and ASSMS continues to grow, initiatives such as this one demonstrate the value of international partnerships in expanding educational opportunities and encouraging students to apply their knowledge beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The journey from Trieste to Lahore is a journey towards a broader vision of mathematics, one that combines scientific excellence with social responsibility and empowers young people to use their skills in service of a more inclusive future.