Official ceremony for the Institute’s 60th anniversary celebrations

The last event of IHES 60th Anniversary program took place on November 16. Presided by the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Frédérique Vidal, the ceremony gathered many officials, scientists and supporters, who were there to express their commitment to the Institute.

In his speech, Emmanuel Ullmo honoured the visionary spirit of the founder, Léon Motchane, and the work of previous directors, Nicolaas Kuiper, Marcel Berger and Jean-Pierre Bourguignon. The Director presented his vision for the IHES and officially launched the Institute’s 3rd fundraising campaign. Live from his new-york Foundation, Jim Simons, Board Director of the IHES, reiterated his trust and support for the Institute’s scientific development. Marwan Lahoud, Chairman of the IHES Board of Directors, then thanked the Institute’s partners and expressed his satisfaction at contributing to the new campaign with his wife. Finally, the Minister praised the excellence of the IHES, emphasizing its ability to take risks: “The IHES does not recruit Fields medals,” she recalled, “it incubates them.”

Frédérique Vidal then inaugurated the Alix and Marwan Lahoud building. Launched in 2018, the construction of an annex to the science building had become necessary to handle the increasing activity, and to host in particular post-doctoral fellows. The Institute has chosen to name the new building “Alix and Marwan Lahoud” to express the deep bond between the IHES and its Chairman and to thank the Lahouds for their extraordinary generosity. The visit to this new research facility revealed the Grothendieck statue made by the artist Nina Douglas and donated by the Simons to the IHES.