Past Galas
Between 2012 and 2025, Friends of IHES organized 8 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.
2025: cinema and mathematics
Honorees: Matthew Brown, Hugo Duminil-Copin and Kip Thorne
Masters of ceremonies: Tracy Day & Brian Greene
Auctioneer: Caroline Robinson
Location: The Plaza Hotel
Under the High Patronage of:
Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States
Jérémie Robert, Consul general of France in New York
2023: Jazz and Physics
Location: Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center
Guest speaker: Stephon Alexander
Honorary guest performers: Will Calhoun, Santi Debriano, and Hector Martignon
Master of ceremonies: Marcus G. Miller
Auctioneer: Lydia Fenet
Under the High Patronage of:
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
