Blackwell-Tapia Conference

This biennial conference and prize honors two seminal figures who inspired a generation of African American, Latino/Latina, and Native American students to pursue careers in mathematics—David H. Blackwell, the first African-American member of the National Academy of Science, and Richard A. Tapia, winner of the National Medal of Science in 2010.

The conference:

  • recognizes and showcases mathematical excellence by minority researchers, with specific attention to include those raised in the U.S. who have been historically excluded in the mathematical sciences and those that share and reflect their experiences;
  • recognizes and disseminates successful efforts to address underrepresentation;
  • informs students and mathematicians about career opportunities in mathematics; and
  • provides networking opportunities from mathematical researchers at all stages of higher education and career trajectory.

Blackwell-Tapia Prize

The Blackwell-Tapia Prize recognizes a mathematician who has served as a role model for mathematical scientists and students from underrepresented minority groups or has contributed in other significant ways to addressing the problem of underrepresentation of minorities in mathematics.

The Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics (ICERM) is seeking nominations for the next Blackwell-Tapia Prize. The prize recipient will be announced at the next Blackwell-Tapia Conference, which will be held at ICERM from November 15-16, 2024.

Nominees should be active mathematical scientists who have:

  • contributed and continue to contribute significantly to research in their fields of expertise; and
  • served as role models for mathematical scientists and students from underrepresented minority groups or contributed in other significant ways to addressing the problem of the underrepresentation of minorities in mathematics.

Nominations should include a letter addressing both eligibility requirements, along with a CV of the nominee. Additional letters of support may be included, but are not required. Nominations should be sent by e-mail to ICERM Director Brendan Hassett.

Nomination Deadline: February 28, 2024

David H. Blackwell & Richard Tapia
David H. Blackwell & Richard Tapia
Next Conferences
2024 organized by ICERM
November 15, 2024 - November 16, 2024

Participant Experiences

  • “The conference strengthened my relationship with colleagues at other universities.”
  • “The main thing that I got out of the Blackwell-Tapia Conference is confidence. Having a group composed mainly of minorities organizing and discussing topics in science and mathematics really gave me the ‘I can do it also’ feeling some necessary to keep going in research.”
  • “I am currently in my penultimate year of graduate school and feel the Blackwell-Tapia conference has greatly inspired me throughout my graduate career. I hope to continue to remain involved after graduate school.”
  • “I met graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty that I have been informally advising and mentoring. This has been a very rewarding experience. In addition, I initiated a new collaboration with a junior faculty member, which I hope will lead to a publication in the near future.”

Conference Photos

Dr. Ronald E. Mickens (3rd from right) surrounded by some past Blackwell-Tapia prize recipients, friends, and Dr. Richard Tapia (4th from left)
Dr. Ronald E. Mickens (3rd from right) surrounded by some past Blackwell-Tapia prize recipients, friends, and Dr. Richard Tapia (4th from left)
Dr. Mickens and his wife
Dr. Mickens and his wife
ICERM Director Brendan Hassett welcomes Blackwell-Tapia participants
ICERM Director Brendan Hassett welcomes Blackwell-Tapia participants
Dr. Richard Tapia gives his special remarks during the award banquet
Dr. Richard Tapia gives his special remarks during the award banquet

Past Events

November 19, 2021 - November 20, 2021
November 9, 2018 - November 10, 2018
October 28, 2016 - October 29, 2016
November 14, 2014 - November 15, 2014
November 9, 2012 - November 10, 2012
November 5, 2010 - November 6, 2010
November 14, 2008 - November 15, 2008
November 3, 2006 - November 4, 2006
November 5, 2004 - November 6, 2004
November 1, 2002 - November 2, 2002
May 7, 2000 - May 8, 2000