The Institut Henri Poincaré (IHP) was founded in 1928 by Émile Borel to promote exchange between French scientists and their foreign colleagues in mathematics and theoretical physics.
Nowadays, IHP continues this legacy by organizing and hosting several types of international research programs.
Its supervisory institutions are CNRS and Sorbonne Université.
Scientific activities
Thematic programs
Three or four thematic programs are held at IHP each year, after having been selected by the scientific committee a couple of years before.
The goal of the thematic programs is to foster scientific interactions over periods of several weeks in current topics in mathematics or theoretical physics. A program typically includes an introductory school that takes place at a partner institution, as well as courses and workshops.
These programs bring together French and international scientists in an inspiring environment. Participants are granted access to all the institute’s facilities, and receive logistical help and financial support depending on their situation.
Doctoral training
IHP supports a high-level doctoral training program in mathematics and theoretical physics aimed at supplementing existing doctoral programs with a few carefully selected courses.
Research in Paris program
IHP supports the development of collaborative projects in small groups of 2 to 4 scientists through the Research in Paris program.
International research programs are operated by a dedicated team called the Centre Emile Borel. Staff assist scientific organizers and participants with administrative procedures and provide financial support.
IHP makes offices available and ensures administrative support to its guests and visitors.
IHP is endowed with a rich library offering:
- More than 40.000 books;
- Journals of mathematics, theoretical physics, science history and philosophy;
- A world-famous collection of mathematical models;
- Exhibitions and events linked to scientific news.
The Maison Poincaré, an exhibition space covering an area of 600 square meters and dedicated to interactive exhibitions and outreach activities, will be open by 2022. It is intended for students, teachers and anyone wanting to explore the big wide world of mathematics, its history and the position it holds in the 21st century. IHP will continue to host high-level research activities and will promote exchanges between researchers and the public visiting the Maison Poincaré.
IHP Profile
- Founded in 1928
- Located in Paris, France
- An international research center in mathematics and theoretical physics
- Will host the Maison Poincaré from 2022
- A dedicated staff for guests and visitors, making sure they enjoy a pleasant and inspiring working environment
- IHP is part of the Centre d’Accueil et de Rencontres Mathématiques INternationales (CARMIN, Laboratory of Excellence) together with CIMPA, CIRM, and IHES. It is involved in the development of carmin.tv, a platform of audiovisual resources dedicated to the dissemination of mathematical research and mathematics in interaction with other sciences.
- Hosts mathematical societies (SMF, SMAI, SFdS, SFP), foundations (FSMP, IHP endowment fund) and not-for-profit organizations engaged in mathematics outreach
Key figures
- Hundreds of visiting scientists from all over the world each year
- 3 or 4 international thematic programs per year
- Doctoral program and Research in Paris program
- Numerous hosted seminars
- Series of four journals: Annales Henri Poincaré with the Swiss physical society, Annales de l’Institut Henri Poincaré B, C, and D
