About GROW

The GROW conference (Graduate Research Opportunities for Women) is for all students of underrepresented gender identities in mathematics, especially female students, who are interested in learning about graduate programmes and further opportunities in research, both within and outside academia. Its primary goal is to promote research in applied and pure mathematics as a career choice, encourage young women to apply to graduate (Master's and PhD) programs, and provide tools to navigate both the application process and life as a Master's/PhD student. It aims to highlight the positive aspects of being a part of the academic environment, the experiences and lessons from acquiring a PhD, and the career paths open after graduate school.

The conference is inspired by the successful North American GROW conference series, which has been held annually since 2015 (more info here).

The steering committee:

The steering committee, formed in 2025, ensures continuity, unanimity, and adherence to the underlying vision for the European GROW series. It also recruits host institutions for GROW and provides advice and support to the local organizing committees. The steering committee currently consists of the following members:

The committee is approved by all current organisers of the European GROW conference. It will be updated regularly to ensure diverse representation. All current and future organisers of GROW conferences are encouraged to join the steering committee after their event. The committee may be reached at grow-europe@googlegroups.com.

GROW conferences typically feature:

A plenary talk on the life of senior mathematicians
Research talks by faculty and PhD students
Panel discussions on:
- What is mathematics research like?
- What to do with a PhD in mathematics?
- How to apply for a PhD in mathematics?
Networking opportunities
Mentoring opportunities
Small group interactions with volunteers (PhD students, postdocs, and faculty)

Impact

The European GROW conferences have been hosted annually since 2022 by various institutes and universities, making a profound impact on participants' perspectives on careers in mathematics.

Some testimonials from previous attendees:

"I loved it! I'm not exaggerating when I say that GROW completely changed my perspective on my major and my future as a math major. I will treasure the memories I made at GROW for the rest of my undergraduate career."

"I left the conference more convinced than ever that I can and will make it to graduate school... I've completely abandoned my subconsciously-harbored conception that mathematics is a gentlemen's club."

Conferences

University of Dresden and Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden (2026)
University of Frankfurt (2025)
Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn (2024)
University of Bonn (2022, 2023)

Interested in hosting?

We welcome proposals from departments and groups wishing to host future GROW conferences.

For more information, please visit the hosting page.