Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat (1923-2025)

It is with deep sadness that IHES has learned of the passing of Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the age of 101.

A pioneering figure in both mathematics and physics, Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat made lasting contributions to the theory of general relativity. Her groundbreaking 1952 paper, “Théorème d’existence pour certains systèmes d’équations aux dérivées partielles non linéaires”, addressed the Cauchy problem for Einstein’s equations and established the existence of propagation phenomena, providing the first evidence of the physical reality of gravitational waves. Her extensive body of work, including the classic textbook Analysis, Manifolds and Physics, co-authored with Cécile DeWitt-Morette and Margaret Dillard-Bleick, has influenced generations of researchers. In 1979, she became the first woman to be elected to the French Academy of Sciences.

Invited to IHES by Thibault Damour towards the later years of her career, Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat found at the Institute an environment conducive to deep reflection and scholarly exchange. “For my mother, IHES was a haven, a place where she always felt welcome,” recalled her son, Daniel Choquet, back in 2021.

Alongside her friend and lifelong collaborator Cécile DeWitt-Morette, Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat left a profound mark on the Institute. Her presence was deeply valued by both the scientific and administrative staff. To honor their memory, a pavilion bearing their names will be inaugurated in the IHES park this spring.

The Institute extends its heartfelt condolences to the whole Choquet-Bruhat family.

In 2008, Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat contributed to the project “The Unravelers – Mathematical Snapshots” by Jean-François Dars, Annick Lesne, and Anne Papillault. Read the text she wrote for the book here.

Watch the recordings of the conference held on the occasion of Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat’s 100th birthday here.

Read a personal tribute to Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat by Nathalie Deruelle (in French) here.

Read a personal tribute to Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat by Sergiu Klainerman here.

Photo credit: © Jean-François Dars