Each panelist will present a problem or set of problems that has the potential to elicit creativity in (or with) mathematics, and will discuss how these problems connect with their research in mathematics education. After panelists present, we will engage with 4 rounds of questions.

Round 1: panelists will respond to the problems and work presented by other panelists.

Round 2: panelists will reflect on different characteristics of mathematical creativity and tasks which can elicit creative thinking.

Round 3: panelists will discuss promising research areas and emerging trends in mathematical creativity development, such as divergent thinking in math, links between creativity and technology, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Round 4: panelists will respond to questions from the audience.

Panelists

Demetra Pitta-Pantazi (Department of Education, University of Cyprus)

Demetra Pitta-Pantazi is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Cyprus. She has participated in a number of research projects funded by the European Union, the Cyprus Research Foundation and the University of Cyprus. She was one of the members of the National Committee for the Reform of Mathematics Curriculum for Grades K-12 and is a scientific advisor for the development of mathematics textbooks used in all public primary schools in Cyprus. Dr Pitta-Pantazi is an Associate Editor of the international journal Educational Studies in Mathematics, and a member of the editorial boards of the International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, and The Journal of Mathematical Behavior. Her research interests focus on students’ development of mathematical concepts, problem posing, mathematical creativity, integration of ICT in mathematics teaching, mathematics curriculum and assessment.

Viktor Freiman (Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université de Moncton)

Viktor Freiman is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the Université de Moncton. His research focuses on mathematical creativity and giftedness, problem-solving, use of technology, digital competencies, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary connection, innovations, and history. He is currently president of the International Group for Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness, co-organizer of MACAS (Mathematics and its Connections with the Arts and Science international symposia (since 2007), co-responsible for the Working Group (Groupe de travail) on the conception, dissemination, and usage of resources at the 2025 International Colloquium Espace Mathématique Francophone. Co-Editor of Mathematics Education in the Digital Era Book Series with Springer (since 2012).

Mark Applebaum (Kaye Academic College of Education)

Prof. Mark Applebaum is the author of 16 books and over 80 papers published in scientific journals and conference proceedings in English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Polish. His research interests include the popularization of mathematics, teaching mathematics to mathematically promising children, developing creative and critical thinking, and STEM education. Since 2013, Prof. Applebaum has served as the CEO of the Kangaroo Israel Contest. In 2023, he was appointed Head of the M.Ed. program in Integrative STEM Education at Kaye Academic College of Education.