Liberty, I Write Your Name: Official Launch of the 4th Capital Campaign of IHES

Following a quiet phase that began in 2022, IHES celebrated the official launch of its 4th Capital Campaign at the AXA headquarters in Paris on December 2. This event marks an important moment for the Institute as it prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2028, with an ambitious goal: raising €70 million to support fundamental research.

The campaign’s title, “Liberty, I Write Your Name,” pays tribute to one of the most powerful poems in the French language. In the dark hours of World War II and occupied France, French poet Paul Éluard reminded the world that freedom cannot simply be proclaimed—it must be defended, lived and upheld.

Since its creation in 1958, IHES has chosen to place academic freedom at the very heart of its mission, offering scientists a unique environment for research in mathematics and theoretical physics. Free from administrative or teaching duties, researchers can devote themselves fully to their work in an atmosphere that fosters curiosity, intellectual exchange, and the courage to tackle open, seemingly unreachable research problems.

To preserve this intellectual freedom and ensure the long-term presence of world-renowned scientists, IHES must rely on stable and reliable financial resources. The “Liberty, I Write Your Name” campaign reflects this vision and is conceived as a vital investment in the future. This ambition was highlighted during the launch event, which brought together key members of the IHES community, including scientists, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and long-time friends of the Institute.

The evening opened with welcome remarks by Thomas Buberl, CEO of AXA, one of the long-time corporate partners of IHES, and Nathalie Ayi, mathematician and master of ceremonies. Hugo Duminil-Copin, Permanent Professor at IHES, Professor at the University of Geneva, and Fields Medalist, then gave a lecture entitled “Logical or Analogical: The Equation Behind Mathematical Creativity.”

Following the lecture, Jean-Laurent Bonnafé, co-Chair of the 3rd campaign and Director & CEO of BNP Paribas, handed over the leadership to Henri Seydoux, Chair of the 4th Capital Campaign and Founder & CEO of Parrot. The screening of the official campaign video illustrated IHES’s mission and commitment to academic freedom, and was followed by the unveiling of the Campaign Committee, composed of business leaders, scientists, philanthropists, and distinguished members of civil society.

The official launch of “Liberty, I Write Your Name” opens a new chapter for IHES—one that will further strengthen its financial independence and ensure that liberty remains at the heart of its unique model of free and unconstrained research.

The Institute wishes to warmly thank all donors who have already contributed to this new campaign. Their support is essential to enabling IHES to pursue its mission at the highest scientific level.