The Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques (IHES) is an international research institute in mathematics and theoretical physics located in Bures-sur-Yvette, just outside Paris.
It was funded in 1958 by Leon Motchane, a businessman with a special passion for mathematics who dreamed of providing the best mathematicians and theoretical physicists with a place where they could carry on curiosity-driven research.
Hosting every year more than 200 researchers from all over the world, and counting 8 Fields medalists out of the 13 permanent professors hired so far in mathematics, IHES is today a world leading research center.
Liberté, I write your name — 4th Fundraising Campaign of IHES
On the occasion of its 70th anniversary, the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques is launching its fourth capital campaign, « Liberté, I write your name », with an ambitious fundraising goal of 70 million dollars.
A manifesto for the freedom of research
Written in 1942, Liberté by Paul Éluard is a universal poem born from resistance to oppression. In a world where scientific thought is often expected to move quickly, IHES has made it the signature of its campaign — a poetic gesture paying tribute to the beauty of the mathematical world and to that essential and fragile freedom without which research can neither be written nor illuminate the future.
In parallel, « Liberté, I write your name » invites everyone — in Europe, the United States, Asia, and beyond — to join this initiative for science and freedom.
« Guaranteeing freedom of research and allowing the circulation of knowledge are essential pillars of any democratic society. IHES has defended these principles since its creation and now fully aligns with the Stand Up for Science movement, in solidarity with all scientists whose work and independence are under threat today. »
Three major ambitions to uphold the freedom of research
Ambition 1 – Attracting and welcoming more top-level researchers
IHES has always been able to identify the most promising talents of their generation, even before their recognition. To continue offering them an environment and working conditions worthy of its ambitions, IHES intends to open new Permanent Professor positions, strengthen Junior Professor positions, modernize its infrastructure, and expand its hosting capacity.
« The conditions offered at IHES are among the best in the world. We have the responsibility to preserve them for future generations of scientists. »
Ambition 2 – Promote science and the freedom of research
Since its creation, IHES has disseminated scientific thought through its courses, seminars, international conferences, Summer Schools, and Publications Mathématiques de l’IHES. The Institute now aims to strengthen this openness by creating new spaces for dialogue between researchers and with society. This commitment is embodied in the U.S. through the Friends of IHES Public Lectures at the CUNY Graduate Center, co-organized by Friends of IHES Board member Delaram Kahrobaei and Friends of IHES Honorary Committee member John Terilla.
« The Friends of IHES Public Lectures aim not only to make science more accessible to a broader audience, but also to foster a sense of community among IHES friends and supporters in New York City. »
Ambition 3 – Achieve sustainable freedom
To preserve its unique model, IHES must be able to rely on stable and sustainable resources. This is why the campaign aims to increase the Institute’s and the Friends of IHES endowments, ensuring long-term security for its scientific positions and its activities. The returns of these endowments already generate around 14% of the Institute’s resources.
« A pioneer in fundraising for higher education and scientific research in France, IHES relies on philanthropy to finance its budget, more than half of which now comes from private support. More than ever, we are counting on your commitment. »
Would you like information or advice on the Liberté, I write your name campaign? Contact Richard Kruel, Deputy Director of Development and Communications at IHES, by email or give him a call at +33 6 83 32 01 62.