The Mirzakhani Society
In October 2014 two Merton maths undergraduates, Jessica Spencer and Alice Miller, decided to form the Mirzakhani Society to promote the welfare of women studying mathematics at Oxford. The society is named after Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win a Fields Medal (mathematics' equivalent of the Nobel Prize).
After Jessica and Alice graduated the Society was taken forward by Oxford’s Mathematical Institute, and now has over 100 active members. The Society holds relaxed weekly problem-solving meetings with tea and cake ('Sip and Solve' meetings). These meetings provide a time and space for female and non-binary Oxford mathematicians to discuss and share experiences that may be specific to them. The Society also runs a variety of socials and talks, and is an excellent way to broaden contacts and join a strong community and support network.