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, Alexei Efros, Gerd Faltings, Martin Hairer, Yael Tauman Kalai or Laszlo Lovasz, Andrei Okounkov, 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 :
- Rahinatou Nchiwo (Cameroon). Completed the Erasmus Mundus Algant master's program in Bordeaux. Doctoral student in mathematical cryptography at Aalto University, Finland.
- Julie Bannwart (France, from Forbach). Graduating with a master's degree in mathematics from EPFL.
- Anne Josiane Kouam ( Cameroon). Diploma 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 TY Berlin (Konrad Rieck's ERC Malfoy project).
- Thi Quynh Nga Nguyen ( Vietnam). Master's degree in mathematics applied to biology with an FSMP scholarship. Thesis in biomathematics at Paris-Nord-Inria in the MAMBAproject ( directed by Vauchelet Bliman). Currently postdoc at the ENS Department of Cognitive Studies, “Mathematics of Neural Networks” group.
- Bertille Follain. Prépa Louis-le-Grand, Polytechnique 2017-2021. Master of Mathematics Cambridge 2020-2021. Thesis ENS Ulm - Inria (Sierra project) under the supervision of Francis Bach. Defense scheduled for November 2024. Mirzakhani Prize 2023.
- Sirine Louati (Tunisia). Bachelor's degree in mathematics at Dauphine (2017-2020). M1 Dauphine 2021. ENSAE (2021-2023), with M2 IPP Statistics and Machine Learning. PhD in statistics in progress CREST-ENSAE. Mirzakhani Prize 2023.
- Rania Rezkellah (Algeria). Computer engineer, Algeria (ESI). Currently in M2 at Dauphine Master IA, systems and data.
- Dorra Ben Khalifa (France). Licence + Master U. Sousse and Perpignan). PhD at LAMPS Perpignan 2021, postdoc in the same group. MCF ENAC Toulouse.
- Donal Kougang Yombi (Cameroon). Doctoral student 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 Rouen. Master's degree in fundamental mathematics UPMC 2017. Thesis in mathematics Caen (Bruno Deschamps and Jérôme Poineau) 2020. High-tech consultant in France. Board member of Animath and founder of the Senegalese association Kerenga Math.
- Romain Dufetelle (France), mathematics degree, Rouen University 2021-2024. 2024- Master of Mathematics Sorbonne University.
- Audrey Antoine (France). Classe prépa Janson de Sailly. Magistère de mathématiques Orsay. M2 internship at Glasgow University 2024. Starts in 2024: PhD in algebraic geometry in Utrecht.
- Juliet Brigas Miranda (Cuba). Bachelor U. Havana. Master Dauphine probabilities.
- Luis Enrique Fernandez Machado (Cuba) in M2 at Gustave Eiffel University with funding from labex Bezout.
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.