On the occasion of its 70th anniversary, Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques is launching its fourth capital fundraising campaign, “Liberté, I write your name”, with an unprecedented goal of 70 million euros.
A manifesto for the freedom of research
Written in 1942, Liberté by Paul Éluard is a universal poem born from resistance to oppression. In a world where scientific thought is often expected to move quickly, IHES has made it the signature of its campaign — a poetic gesture paying tribute to the beauty of the mathematical world and to that essential and fragile freedom without which research can neither be written nor illuminate the future.
In parallel, “Liberté, I write your name” invites everyone — in Europe, the United States, Asia, and beyond — to join this initiative for science and freedom.
“Guaranteeing freedom of research and allowing the circulation of knowledge are essential pillars of any democratic society. IHES has defended these principles since its creation and now fully aligns with the Stand Up for Science movement, in solidarity with all scientists whose work and independence are under threat today.”
Emmanuel Ullmo, Director of IHES
Three major ambitions to uphold the freedom of research
Ambition 1
1. Attracting and welcoming more top-level researchers
IHES has always been able to identify the most promising talents of their generation, even before their recognition. To continue offering them an environment and working conditions worthy of its ambitions, IHES intends to open new Permanent Professor positions, strengthen Junior Professor positions, modernize its infrastructure, and expand its hosting capacity.
“The conditions offered at IHES are among the best in the world. We have the responsibility to preserve them for future generations of scientists.”
Julio Parra-Martinez, Permanent Professor in theoretical physics
Fundraising needs
Ambition 2
2. Promote science and the freedom of research
Since its creation, IHES has disseminated scientific thought through its courses, seminars, international conferences, Summer Schools, and Mathematical Publications. The Institute now aims to strengthen this openness by creating new spaces for dialogue between researchers and with society. This commitment is embodied in particular through the project “The School We Dream Of”, led by Laure Saint-Raymond, which aims to co-create, together with all relevant stakeholders, proposals for structural reforms of compulsory schooling and science education in France.
“The school, as a place of knowledge transmission and socialization, deserves a far-reaching debate. This project is an invitation to build together a more agile, fairer, and more cohesive system—one that enables every student to thrive.”
Laure Saint-Raymond, Permanent Professor in mathematics
Ambition 3
3. Achieve sustainable freedom
To preserve its unique model, IHES must be able to rely on stable and sustainable resources. This is why the campaign aims to increase the Institute’s endowment, ensuring long-term security for its scientific positions and its activities. Two endowed funds have already been created with this objective in mind, and their returns today generate 14% of the Institute’s resources.
“A pioneer in fundraising for higher education and scientific research in France, IHES relies on philanthropy to finance its budget, more than half of which now comes from private support. More than ever, we are counting on your commitment.”
Claire Lenz, Secretary-General of IHES
