A Transatlantic Dialogue in Math Education

In May 2025, Dr. Brendan Kelly, Director of Introductory Math at Harvard University, visited the Netherlands at the invitation of the 4TU.AMI Strategic Research Initiative MEReP.

During his two-week stay, he delivered a keynote lecture at the annual 4TU.AMI Education Day and visited all five affiliated 4TU institutes: Delft, Eindhoven, Twente, Wageningen, and Groningen (which formally joined 4TU.AMI in June 2025). These visits, filled with lively discussions and knowledge exchange, offered rich insights into educational innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dr. Kelly shared his collaborative vision for undergraduate mathematics education, highlighting the importance of real-world applications and mathematical modelling to transform mathematics from a perceived burden into a meaningful and engaging learning experience.

Innovations and Collaborative Impact

During his visit, Dr. Kelly found the Dutch educational landscape “incredibly inspiring,” particularly value-driven discussions on bridging courses and curriculum design. “These conversations spark new ideas and show that much is possible when we collaborate and share a vision!” he reflected.

Why This Visit Matters

This visit underscores the value of international exchange in enriching educational practices. It brings together diverse perspectives, from Harvard’s structured, evidence-driven approaches to the innovative, interdisciplinary strengths of Dutch institutions. It also paves the way for future collaborations, opening doors for resource sharing, joint research, and curriculum development.

Read More: For the full interview and insights from Dr. Brendan Kelly’s visit, click here.