The International Workshop on Real and Complex Singularities is one of the key events for people working in singularity theory, algebraic geometry, bifurcation theory and related areas. It brings together world experts and young researchers to report on their recent achievements, to exchange ideas and to address trends of research in a highly stimulating environment. The event is organised every two years by the ICMC-USP research group in Singularity Theory.

The singularity group at ICMC-USP was founded by Gilberto Loibel in the 70's and grew thanks to the enthusiasm and determination of his students, especially Luiz Antonio Favaro and Maria Aparecida Soares Ruas. Today it has 10 members of academic staff, 5 MSc students, 15 PhD students and 6 Post-docs. The group also receives annually a large number of academic visitors and collaborators from overseas and from within the country.