Zhongkai Tao, Junior Professor at IHES and Recipient of a Choose France for Science Grant

IHES congratulates Zhongkai Tao, Junior Professor at the Institute, for being among the first recipients of the Choose France for Science grants.

The awardees’ welcome reception was held on February 4, 2026, at the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Space in Paris. The event brought together 15 laureates as well as numerous representatives from French academia.

The evening featured several keynote addresses, including remarks by Bruno Bonnell, Secretary General for Investment; Prof. Alain Fisher, Chair of the Choose France for Science selection committee; and a closing address by Philippe Baptiste, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Space.

In his speech, Zhongkai Tao highlighted the intensity and richness of the mathematical life in Paris, one of the cities with the highest concentration of mathematicians worldwide. He emphasized how this exceptional scientific environment, marked by a constant exchange of ideas and strong collective creativity, provides a particularly stimulating setting for fundamental research in mathematics.

IHES welcomes this recognition, which reflects both the scientific excellence of its researchers and the international appeal of fundamental research conducted in France. The Choose France for Science grant will enable Zhongkai Tao to expand his team at IHES through the recruitment of a postdoctoral researcher.