Young French scientists at the Heidelberg Laureate Forum: an opportunity for tomorrow's mathematicians
Every year, the German city of Heidelberg transforms itself into the epicenter of world science for the Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF). This prestigious event brings together young scientists from over 130 nationalities, from undergraduates to top researchers, and the biggest names in mathematics and computer science, including Fields Medalists, Abel, Turing and Nobel Prize winners. A meeting without glass ceilings to create interactions, exchange views on major societal challenges, forge international collaborations and enrich scientific perspectives.
A unique event: the Heidelberg Laureate Forum in a nutshell
Launched in 2013, the Heidelberg Laureate Forum aims to build bridges between generations of researchers. Over the course of a week, emerging scientists from all over the world have the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with winners of the most prestigious prizes in mathematics and computer science. The event stands out for its atypical format, which encourages exchange and inspiration, a far cry from traditional conferences. What strikes you on arrival is the diversity of the participants: in 2024, over 130 nationalities were represented, with parity between men and women. Interactions are not limited to classic academic sessions: speeches, speed-meetings, posters, masterclasses, trainings, mentorships, interactive workshops, informal discussions over coffee and guided tours of Heidelberg's historic sites enable everyone to forge genuine links.
Key encounters: privileged access to the giants of the discipline
Whitfield Diffie, Amanda Randles, Dina Katabi, Gerd Faltings, Martin Hairer, Yael Tauman Kalai ou encore Maryam Mirzakhani, Srinivasa S. R. Varadhan… these are just some of the prestigious scientists who will be on hand to exchange ideas with tomorrow's future scientists.
Many informal moments are organized around a coffee or a meal. These discussions, often enriched by anecdotes or practical advice, help to demystify the scientific career path.
Mentoring sessions are another highlight of the forum. Each participant is invited to interact with senior researchers in dedicated sessions, where exchanges go beyond technical themes to address issues such as career management or contemporary challenges in mathematics and computer science.
The role of the network: a key to scientific careers
Today, scientific networking is more essential than ever, and the HLF offers an exceptional opportunity to forge lasting links. Social activities, such as strolls through Heidelberg's Old Town or dinner parties, provide relaxed contexts for forging relationships beyond academic boundaries.
In addition to the direct benefits for their research, young participants also leave with an address book that will prove invaluable throughout their careers. Whether applying for a post-doctorate, collaborating on an international project, doing an exchange abroad or organizing events, these connections are an invaluable resource.
Mentoring sessions are another highlight of the forum. Each participant is invited to interact with senior researchers in dedicated sessions, where exchanges go beyond technical themes to address issues such as career management or contemporary challenges in mathematics and computer science.
2024: young French scientists at the forum
14 French scientists were present at this year's 2024 forum, from the fields of mathematics and computer science, from undergraduate to post-doctorate level. They all appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas, without a glass ceiling, and the diversity of their profiles, whether geographical, cultural or scientific.
List of participants (from left to right on the picture):
- Rahinatou Nchiwo (Cameroon). Completed the Erasmus Mundus Algant master's programme in Bordeaux.Doctoral student in mathematical cryptography at the University of Aalto in Finland.
- Julie Bannwart (France). Has completed her bachelor's and master's degree in mathematics at EPFL.
- Anne Josiane Kouam (Cameroon). Degree in computer engineering from Polytechnique Yaoundé in 2019.Doctorate at Polytechnique/Inria in cryptography, defended in 2023, 8-month postdoc at Inria. Currently postdoc at TU Berlin (Konrad Rieck's ERC MALFOY project).
- Martin Andler (France). Professor emeritus at the University of Versailles - Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.
- Thi Quynh Nga Nguyen (Vietnam). Master's degree in mathematics applied to biology with an FSMP scholarship. Thesis in biomathematics at Paris-Nord-Inria as part of the MAMBAteam-project ( directed by Luis Almeida, Pierre-Alexandre Bliman and Nicolas Vauchelet). Currently a postdoc in the Cognitive Studies Department at the ENS, in the Mathematics of Neural Networks group.
- Bertille Follain (France). Prépa Louis-le-Grand, Polytechnique 2017-2021. Master's degree in mathematics Cambridge 2020-2021. ENS Ulm thesis in 2024 - Inria (Sierra project) under the supervision of Francis Bach.Mirzakhani Prize 2023.
- Sirine Louati (Tunisia). Bachelor's degree in maths at Dauphine (2017-2020). M1 Dauphine 2021. ENSAE (2021-2023) with M2 IPP Statistics and Machine Learning. PhD in statistics in progress at CREST-ENSAE under the supervision of Alexandre Tsybakov and Jaouad Mourtada. Mirzakhani Prize 2023.
- Rania Rezkellah (Algeria). Computer engineer, Algeria (ESI). Currently in M2 at Dauphine Master IA, systems and data.
- Dorra Ben Khalifa (France). Bachelor + Master U. Sousse and Perpignan. Doctorate and postdoctorate under the supervision of Matthieu Martel at LAMPS in Perpignan in 2021. MCF at ENAC Toulouse.
- Donal Kougang Yombi (Cameroon). Doctoral student at AIMS Rwanda (no studies in France).
- Coumba Sarr (Senegal/France). Round-table communication speaker. Baccalauréat Senegal 2012, one year of BCPST prep school in France, bachelor's degree in mathematics in Rouen. Master's degree in fundamental mathematics UPMC 2017. Thesis in mathematics in Caen under the supervision of Bruno Deschamps and Jérôme Poineau in 2020. High-tech consultant in France. Member of the Animath Board and founder of the Senegalese association Kerenga Math.
- Romain Dufetelle (France), degree in mathematics from Rouen University 2021-2024. 2024- Master's degree in mathematics at Sorbonne University.
- Audrey Antoine (France). Preparatory class at Janson de Sailly. Magistère in mathematics at Orsay. M2 internship at Glasgow University in 2024. Starts PhD in algebraic geometry in Utrecht in 2024.
- Juliet Brigas Miranda (Cuba). Bachelor U. Havana. Dauphine Master's degree in probability.
- Luis Enrique Fernandez Machado (Cuba) in M2 at Gustave Eiffel University with funding from Labex Bezout.
Thanks to Martin Andler for the photo and the information in this caption.
Edition 2025, how to apply?
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum selection process is demanding, but open to motivated and talented young researchers. Candidates must submit a dossier detailing their research work, motivations and scientific vision. A letter of recommendation from a professor or mentor also plays a key role in the evaluation.
Once selected, participation fees (including accommodation and meals) are covered, making the event financially accessible. Participants only have to cover their travel costs to Heidelberg, making this a particularly attractive opportunity for PhD students and young post-docs with limited resources.