On the afternoon of September 10, 2025, at the VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS), Professor Will Schilders, President of the International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM) and lecturer at Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands), delivered a public lecture titled “Mathematics: A Catalyst for Prosperity and Sustainable Innovation.” The event attracted a large audience of faculty members, university students, and high school students interested in the role of mathematics in today’s socio-economic life.
A large number of lecturers, students, and pupils attended the event.
At the beginning of his talk, Prof. Schilders opened with an evocative image:
“Just as Hanoi is the crossroads of tradition and innovation, mathematics connects the diverse aspects of society—often as an invisible link.”
He quoted Lex Schrijver:
“Mathematics is like oxygen. You don’t notice it when it’s there—but if it’s gone, you realize you can’t live without it.”
The professor emphasized that mathematics is no longer merely the language of science—it is increasingly the driving force of innovation, decision-making, and digital transformation.
“Mathematics is not just a science — it is the key enabler for a sustainable and prosperous society,” he affirmed.
Drawing on international research findings, Prof. Schilders shared impressive figures showing that math-intensive activities contribute 9% to 16% of GDP in major economies:
- In the United Kingdom, math-supported sectors contribute £208 billion GVA, accounting for 10% of the workforce and 16% of GVA.
- In France, mathematics accounts for 15% of GDP and 9% of employment in high-productivity industries.
- In the Netherlands, when considering direct, indirect, and spillover effects, mathematics supports 26% of jobs and 30% of national income.
These numbers demonstrate that mathematics is not only an academic discipline but also a powerful economic driver, directly influencing growth, employment, and productivity.
Prof. Schilders further analyzed the role of mathematics in key sectors:
- Financial Services: Mathematical models form the foundation of risk simulations, portfolio optimization, algorithmic trading, CVA/DVA adjustments, and fraud detection using anomaly detection and Bayesian inference.
- Logistics: Queueing theory, combinatorics, and network flow models help optimize complex distribution systems, reduce costs, and improve reliability—used directly by organizations such as PostNL and Schiphol Airport.
- Telecommunications: Mathematics acts as the “invisible guardian” behind signal processing, bandwidth allocation, and data integrity in the rollout of 5G and the development of 6G.
- Sustainability: Climate modeling, renewable energy optimization, and resilient infrastructure design all rely on mathematical models. For example, in the Netherlands, mathematical modeling led to the redesign of national dike height standards, saving €4.3 billion while enhancing flood safety.
He highlighted that mathematics lies at the heart of computational science and high-performance computing (HPC): advancements in numerical methods—from numerical linear algebra to multiscale modeling and uncertainty quantification—have propelled simulation and data analysis capabilities even beyond hardware progress.
In data science, mathematics provides the analytical core for predictive modeling, statistical inference, dimensionality reduction, and optimal decision-making under uncertainty. Regarding artificial intelligence, mathematics serves as both the foundation and the conscience—ensuring algorithms are explainable, stable, and trustworthy. Prof. Schilders concluded with a powerful statement:
“Real intelligence is needed to make artificial intelligence work.”
This, he explained, means that true human intelligence is essential to make AI function effectively, safely, and fairly.
From his analysis and examples, Prof. Schilders underscored three urgent priorities:
1. Strengthening the connection between academia and industry;
2. Developing a highly skilled mathematical workforce;
3. Enhancing the role of mathematics in public policy, education, and national innovation strategies.
The lecture served as an invitation for reflection—on how to build the bridges that allow society to fully benefit from the global movement placing mathematics at the heart of future development.
Prof. Schilders engaged in lively discussion and Q&A with lecturers and students of the university.
The public lecture left a strong impression on attendees. Nguyen Vy Thanh Quang, an 11th-grade student from the High School for Gifted Students shared that the lecture helped reinforce his knowledge and expand his understanding of how mathematics applies to real life.
Student Nguyen Vy Thanh Quang exchanged ideas with Prof. Schilders after the lecture.
Ngo Quy Dang, an alumnus of the Talented Mathematics Program (K67), Faculty of Mathematics – Mechanics – Informatics, now a master’s student at École Normale Supérieure – Paris (France), said:
“With simple, accessible language, the professor explained profound applications of mathematics. Lectures like this inspire us and reaffirm the relevance and ‘hot’ status of mathematics today.”
Student Ngo Quy Dang took a commemorative photo with Prof. Schilders after the public lecture.
Prof. Will Schilders’ lecture not only delivered deep academic insight but also stimulated practical discussion, opening up directions for cooperation and capacity building in mathematics—an essential factor for a sustainable, innovative, and prosperous society.
Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh, Chairman of the University Council, presented flowers to Prof. Will Schilders in appreciation for his inspiring lecture.
University leaders and representatives from the Talented Bachelor’s Program, the Faculty of Mathematics–Mechanics–Informatics, and the Faculty of Physics took a commemorative photo with Prof. Schilders.
Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Son, Rector of VNU University of Science, presented a souvenir to Prof. Schilders.
Students and pupils attending the event took photos with Prof. Schilders.
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About Prof. Will Schilders:
Prof. Will Schilders is a Dutch applied mathematician specializing in scientific computing, with a distinguished career spanning both academia and industry. He earned his Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin (1980) under the supervision of J.J.H. Miller, and spent three decades at Philips and NXP, developing algorithms and software for electronic design automation and device simulation. In 1999, he was appointed Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), holding the chair in Scientific Computing for Industry within the CASA department, and now serves as Emeritus Professor.
He has held leadership roles in major international organizations (ECMI, EU-MATHS-IN) and is currently President of ICIAM (2023–2027). Prof. Schilders is also a Hans Fischer Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, a SIAM Fellow, and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors.
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