Past Galas
Between 2012 and 2021, Friends of IHES organized 7 Galas in New York City featuring distinguished speakers and renowned IHES faculty members. Friends of IHES galas are a unique mix of science and entertainment, combining inspiring scientific presentations and the enjoyable moments of a social event. Outside of raising money to support American visitors at IHES, this Gala is the focal event for the IHES American network.
Each Gala features luminaries from around the world, the finest French cuisine and an exceptional level of conversation. For Friends of IHES corporate sponsors, it is a great opportunity to gather their collaborators, clients and business partners for an event that celebrates the adventure of science.
2023: Jazz and Physics
Although physics and music might at times be seen as distant endeavors, there is more that connects them than meets the eye. The 2023 Friends of IHES Gala keynote speaker, Stephon Alexander, a theoretical physicist and a musician, has found his own personal life path by blending together his love for jazz and his research as a physicist.
A professional tenor saxophonist, Stephon delivered the keynote speech of the evening, and coordinated the musical performance, with top-level jazz musicians, including widely acclaimed drummer Will Calhoun.
Guest speaker: Stephon Alexander
Honorary guest performers: Will Calhoun, Santi Debriano, and Hector Martignon
Master of ceremonies: Marcus G. Miller
Auctioneer: Lydia Fenet
Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States
Jérémie Robert, Consul general of France in New York
2021: Women in Fundamental Research
Location: Lotte New York Palace
Featuring: Guest of Honor Marilyn Simons and Keynote Speaker Janna Levin
2019: Game Theory: The Science of Strategy
Location: Harvard Club
Featuring: Guest Speakers Costantinos Daskalakis and Neil A. Chriss
2017: Breaking Boundaries: The Adventure of Artificial Intelligence
Location: Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, Lincoln Center
Featuring: Guest Speakers Yann LeCun and Jennifer Chayes
2015: Math and Games of Chance
Location: Pierre Hotel
Featuring: Guest Speakers Baroness Ingrid Daubechies and Richard Garriott de Cayeux
2014: Across Universes: Math & Physics Exploring Space
Location: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Featuring: Guest Speakers Charles Simonyi and Thibault Damour
2013: Mathematics Mind of the Earth
Location: Pierre Hotel
Featuring: Guest Speakers Kenneth Golden and Jean-Louis Etienne
2012: Beauty and Mathematics
Location: Consulate of France in New York
Featuring: Guests of Honor James and Marilyn Simons
