The Institut Henri Poincaré (IHP) was founded in 1928 by Émile Borel with the aim of fostering collaboration between French scientists and their foreign colleagues in the fields of mathematics and theoretical physics.
Nowadays, IHP perpetuates this legacy by organizing and hosting a variety of international research programs.
Its supervisory institutions are CNRS and Sorbonne Université.
Scientific activities
Thematic programs
Each year, IHP hosts three or five thematic programs, selected by the scientific committee a couple of years in advance.
The thematic programs aim to foster scientific interactions over periods of several weeks, focusing on contemporary topics in mathematics or theoretical physics. Typically, each programme includes an introductory school held at a partner institution, alongside courses and workshops.
These programs bring together French and international scientists within an inspiring environment. Participants are provided access to all the institute’s facilities and receive logistical assistance and financial support depending on their situation.
Doctoral training
IHP supports a high-level doctoral training program in mathematics and theoretical physics, designed to complement existing doctoral programs by offering 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 programme.
Dedicated to managing international research programmes, the Centre Émile Borel assists 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:
- Over 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.
First museum entirely dedicated to mathematics in France, the Maison Poincaré opened in 2023 in the fully refurbished Perrin building. Covering an area of 900 square meters in the heart of Paris, the Maison Poincaré holds permanent and interactive exhibitions. It is intended for students, teachers and anyone eager to delve into the vast realm of mathematics, its history and the position it holds in the 21st century.
All outreach activities of IHP are coordinated by the Maison Poincaré, which is both a department in IHP and a museum. IHP regularly hosts high-level research activities in both its building (Borel and Perrin), and promotes exchanges between researchers and the public visiting the museum.
IHP Profile
- Founded in 1928
- Located in the heart of Paris, France
- An international research center in mathematics and theoretical physics
- Host of Maison Poincaré since September 2023
- Committed staff ensures guests and visitors experience 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 contributes to 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, SIF), foundations (FSMP, IHP endowment fund) and nonprofit organizations engaged in mathematics outreach.
Key figures
- Hundreds of visiting scientists from around the globe annually
- 3 or 4 international thematic programs held each 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
