TheSwiss Mathematical Society, SMS (German:Schweizerische Mathematische Gesellschaft, SMG;French:Société Mathématique Suisse), founded in Basel on 4 September 1910, is the national mathematical society of Switzerland. It is a member of theEuropean Mathematical Society.
The SMS was established on 4 September 1910 inBasel as a specialised section of the Swiss Natural Research Society (SNG). Initiated byRudolf Fueter,Henri Fehr andMarcel Grossmann, a circular signed by nineteen leading mathematicians drew eighty-two founding members, and the constitutive meeting was held that afternoon in theBernoullianum [de]. From its earliest years the SMG organised annual spring and autumn sectional meetings—initially within the SNG framework—at which members presented research and exchange of ideas. Membership fees began atCHF 2 per annum (later rising in stages and, from 2007, incorporating a reduced student rate) and the Society's governingstatutes provided for a rotating presidency via an executive of three electedofficers.[1]
In 1928 the SMG resolved to launch its ownresearch journal,Commentarii Mathematici Helvetici, with the first volume appearing that same year. To secure its continuation a "Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematical Sciences in Switzerland" was established in 1929 to underwrite production costs. In 1946 the Society foundedElemente der Mathematik, aimed atexpository articles and developments in mathematical education and dissemination. Both journals—renowned today for their high scientific standards and broaderpedagogical reach—were transferred in 1976 to Society oversight (Elemente) and more recently adopted moderntypesetting (TeX) and online distribution via theEMS Publishing House. The SMG also maintains an information and exchange service, publishes a weekly bulletin of seminars and lectures, and awards travelgrants to support scholarly collaboration.[1]
Beyond its national activities, the SMG has long represented Switzerland in international bodies. It was an early member society of theEuropean Mathematical Society upon its founding in 1990 and holds membership in theInternational Mathematical Union (since 1921) and theInternational Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Swiss mathematicians have twice hosted theInternational Congress of Mathematicians inZürich (1932 and 1994), and SMG officers have served as IMU presidents and secretaries. Today, the Society's archives—housed at the ETH Library, Zürich—comprise nearly four linear metres of minutes, correspondence and financial records, providing a comprehensive record of one hundred years of Swiss mathematical endeavour.[1]
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