Life at IHES
An optimal work environment enables researchers to focus exclusively on their work.
Location
Operating from the premises of the Fondation Thiers in Paris for the first three years of its existence, IHES moved to Bures-sur-Yvette in 1962. It has remained on the same site ever since. Bures-sur-Yvette is 23 kms away from Paris and an integral part of the Paris conurbation.
From an academic point of view, the Institute is located in the Saclay area, at the heart of the largest concentration of mathematicians in the world.
Work environment
The IHES site, Bois-Marie, offers all visitors comprehensive research facilities and high-quality services. Wherever possible, each researcher has their own office at the Institute. IT equipment and the library are freely accessible 24/7.
The quiet 10-hectare park is an invitation to deep thoughts and inspiring walks.
Accommodation
The Ormaille residence contains approximately 60 accommodation units. It is also located in Bures-sur-Yvette near the RER train station and close to the local shops.
The residence not only welcomes IHES visitors and their families, but also, when possible, other visiting scientists in need of housing.
This is because IHES belongs to the “Science Accueil” association, the mission of which is to help house foreign researchers staying in the area for varying lengths of stay.
In addition, since 2010, six newly built apartments at Ormaille have been allocated to the Université Paris-Sud mathematics department, following a partnership agreement between IHES, the Conseil Général de l’Essonne and Université Paris-Sud 11.
Combating discrimination and gender-based and sexual violence
No form of discrimination is tolerated at IHES and the Institute is actively engaged in combating gender-based and sexual violence. As mentioned in its rules of procedure, its ethical charter adopted by the IHES Board of Directors and its visitors’ guide, moral harassment, sexual harassment and sexism are illegal and subject to penalties.
IHES has developed a specific procedure to support any person affiliated with the Institute who may be the victim or witness of harassment or gender-based and sexual violence.
Elisabeth Jasserand, Head of Scientific Administration at the Institute is the contact person for matters relating to combating sexual harassment and sexist behavior. Elisabeth Jasserand can be contacted by mail (jasserand@ihes.fr), in person at her office or by telephone (+33 60 92 66 04). Anyone affiliated with the Institute can approach her (in French or English) regarding topics related to harassment or sexual and gender-based violence. If required, support can be provided, with the guarantee of confidentiality and discretion.
At Université Paris-Saclay, of which IHES is a founder member, a prevention initiative and helpline (in French only) has been set up to welcome, support, listen to and guide anyone who may be a victim or witness in order to end all forms of harassment (sexual, moral and cyber harassment, sexist behavior, sexual assault, rape, exhibitionism etc.). Contact: harcelements@universite-paris-saclay.fr, for more information here.
In order to raise awareness of sexual harassment and how to tackle it, and provide training on these issues, IHES has also made available here a guide on sexual harassment in higher education and research. This guide was produced by the CLASCHES collective (Anti-sexist collective combating sexual harassment in higher education).
This policy of raising awareness and combating discrimination, harassment and gender-based and sexual violence, forms part of IHES’ broader gender equality plan which can be found here.
Acknowledgments
IHES has gradually acquired the real estate that it needs to host researchers. These assets contribute to the Institute’s endowment funds and thus to its long-term mission.
The Sénat, the Conseil Régional Ile de France, the Conseil Général de l’Essonne and the Caisse des Dépôts are among the major contributors to the maintenance of buildings and sites. A great many individual donors have also contributed to renovation and refurbishment programmes.
For more information on the practical aspects of your research visit, please check the Intranet.
