Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao from the Department of Applied Mathematics at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) has been elected President of the 47th Mathematical Society of the Republic of China, becoming the first CYCU faculty member to hold this position. She has long been dedicated to mathematics outreach, inter-university collaboration, and interdisciplinary exchange, and is also the founding convener of the Women in Mathematics Working Group.
During her two-year term, Professor Kao aims to promote academic exchange, mathematics education, and public engagement while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and support networks for women scholars. She also hopes to encourage more girls in STEM to pursue scientific careers, making mathematics more accessible and integrated into everyday life.
The Mathematical Society of the Republic of China is a leading academic organization in Taiwan dedicated to advancing mathematical research, international collaboration, and mathematics education. Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao has been actively involved in the society since 2010, serving in various leadership roles, including director and supervisor, Vice President of the 42nd term, and Convener of the Mathematics Outreach Committee. Since the 44th term, she has also led the Women in Mathematics Working Group, and in February 2026, she was elected President of the 47th term.
Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao received her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She joined the Department of Applied Mathematics at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) in 1995 and served as department chair from 2006 to 2010. In addition to teaching professional courses such as numerical analysis, she has recently held a joint appointment in the College of Business, offering courses in business and management mathematics, and teaches Science and Ethics in the General Education Center, integrating scientific literacy with public ethics.
Reflecting CYCU’s philosophy of holistic education, Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao emphasizes mentorship, care, and meaningful teacher–student interaction, aspiring to “influence lives with life.” Through an approachable teaching style, she helps reduce students’ anxiety toward mathematics while encouraging them to consider the ethical and social implications of scientific and technological advancement alongside academic achievement. From August 2016 to July 2022, she also served as Director of the University Chaplain’s Office, providing faith-based support and guidance to the CYCU community.
Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao noted that many people experience frustration with mathematics learning and hold misconceptions about career pathways in the field. Female students may also face implicit pressures when considering mathematics-related careers. Over the past decade, under the leadership of previous presidents and senior scholars, she has actively contributed to initiatives promoting mathematics outreach, including organizing university-level mathematics camps to help young students recognize the diverse applications of mathematics. She has also been committed to supporting the learning and development of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Regarding women’s participation in mathematics, Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao recognizes the real challenges women face in academia and the workplace, and has long advocated for institutional support and peer networks. She has been invited to speak at high school summer programs for girls, sharing her academic journey and promoting films featuring women scientists to provide diverse and authentic role models. She has also organized Women in Mathematics luncheon forums at annual conferences and advocated for childcare support mechanisms to lower participation barriers for female scholars. At CYCU, she has hosted networking events such as “STEM Girls Forward!” to foster cross-generational mentorship and support.
With a lifelong passion for sharing knowledge and an appreciation for the elegance and simplicity of mathematics, Professor Hsin-Hsin Kao has remained dedicated to promoting mathematics and science education. She reflected that since 2015, when Professor Rong-Kai Chen initiated nationwide mathematics outreach activities during his presidency, she has been fortunate to participate and continue contributing under the leadership of successive presidents, including Ming-Chih Lai, Chung-Sheng Kuo, Ying-Ying Lee, and Ming-Lun Hsieh. She expressed gratitude for what she describes as God’s grace throughout this journey. Looking ahead, she hopes to collaborate with academic, educational, and community partners to strengthen the connection between mathematics and everyday life, positioning the society as an important bridge between academia and society.
