Professor Louise Antonette N De Las Peñas of the Ateneo de Manila University delivered the opening keynote address at the Asian Crystallographic Association (ASCA) Congress in Taipei, Taiwan, from December 2-5, 2025. Her presentation was titled “Mathematical Approaches to Symmetry in Crystallography.”
A First for the Philippines
Professor De Las Peñas is an internationally recognized leader in mathematical crystallography. She made history as the first Filipino invited to be a plenary speaker at an ASCA Congress. Her keynote addressed the relationship between group theory and discrete geometry, specifically as it relates to symmetrical structures.
Research and Applications
Professor De Las Peñas presented recent findings from her research teams concerning diperiodic, monoperiodic, periodic, and aperiodic structures. Discussions also included how mathematical advancements could contribute to the development of new materials, such as nanomaterials and metal organic frameworks (MOFs).
Bridging Mathematics and Culture
The presentation also highlighted the novel contributions of Professor De Las Peñas’ team to the application of mathematical crystallography in art and cultural heritage. She shared her pioneering work exploring the mathematical principles underlying Philippine indigenous textiles, mats, baskets, and tattoos.
Currently, Professor De Las Peñas holds editorial positions with both Acta Crystallographica: Foundations and Advances, as Co-Editor, and the Mathematical Intelligencer, as Column Editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crystallography?
Crystallography is the science that examines the arrangement of atoms in solid materials, known as crystals. It uses mathematical techniques to understand these structures.
What is ASCA?
ASCA is the Asian Crystallographic Association, an organization that promotes the study of crystallography within Asia.
What types of structures did Professor De Las Peñas discuss?
Professor De Las Peñas discussed diperiodic (layer), monoperiodic (rod), periodic, and aperiodic (quasicrystalline) structures.
How might advancements in mathematical crystallography impact everyday life?
