Research in France
From Pascal and Descartes to the "Bourbaki group", mathematical research is strongly rooted in France.
French mathematics in figures
France, a welcoming home for mathematicians
With 13 Fields Medals, 1 Gauss Prize and 5 Abel Prizes to their name, the work of French researchers is widely recognised internationally. There are around forty French mathematical journals, some of which are among the best published internationally.
France benefits from a wide range of research structures that complement each other: CNRS laboratories, host units, networks of all kinds, national programmes, etc. The Insmi's mission is to structure the French mathematical community and work towards its integration into the international community.
Mathematics laboratories are mainly university laboratories or laboratories linked to the grandes écoles, and receive financial support from the universities (or grandes écoles where appropriate) and the CNRS. The FrenchNational Research Agency (ANR) also provides funding for various projects. In addition, as part of the future investment programme (PIA), the French government has launched a labelling programme called "Laboratoires d'excellence (LabEx)".
Finally, two foundations, the Fondation sciences mathématiques de Paris (FSMP) and the Fondation mathématique Jacques Hadamard (FMJH), provide funding from both public and private sources, and both host a LabEx.
International recognition
- 13 Fields Medals | Laurent SCHWARTZ (1950), Jean-Pierre SERRE (1954), René THOM (1958), Alexander GROTHENDIECK (1966), Alain CONNES (1982), Pierre-Louis LIONS and Jean-Christophe YOCCOZ (1994), Laurent LAFFORGUE (2002), Wendelin WERNER (2006), NGÔ Bào Châu and Cédric VILLANI (2010), Artur AVILA (2014), Hugo DUMINIL-COPIN (2022).
- 1 Gauss prize | Yves MEYER (2010).
- 5 Abel prizes | Jean-Pierre SERRE (2003), Jacques TITS (2008), Mikhail GROMOV (2009), Yves MEYER (2017), Michel TALAGRAND (2024).
- 1 Wolf Prize in mathematics since 2010 | Jean-François LE GALL (2019)
- 4 Shaw Prizes | Maxime KONTSEVITCH (2012), Claire VOISIN (2017), Michel TALAGRAND (2019), Jean-Michel BISMUT (2021).
Who are the research actors?
The Insmi coordinates a myriad of actors with very different statuses and missions:
- laboratories, located in French universities or Grandes Ecoles, which are associated with the CNRS ;
- national support units for mathematical research, including documentation and publishing, IT and technical resources, the dissemination of mathematics and interaction with industry;
- thematic research networks at national level;
- international conference centres dedicated to hosting programmes and symposia;
- international networks and joint international research units;
- international programmes and research schools in every country in the world.
Three international research centres for mathematicians from around the world
In the heart of Paris, the Institut Henri Poincaré (IHP) is one of the oldest international structures dedicated to mathematics and theoretical physics. It organises themed trimesters, international conferences and regular seminars, and is home to the Poincaré Chair, set up in 2013 with the Clay Institute. The IHP also offers a wide range of activities aimed at the general public. In 2023, it will open the Maison Poincaré, a place for exchanges and exhibitions dedicated to mathematics between research, education and society.
On the Luminy-Marseille campus, the Centre international de rencontres mathématiques (Cirm) organises conferences, symposia, thematic sessions and small group research in residence, attracting researchers from all over the world. The Jean Morlet Chair, which lasts six months, provides an opportunity for conferences, working groups, small-group work and events for the general public around a specific scientific theme.
Based in Bures-sur-Yvette, within Paris-Saclay, the Institut des hautes études scientifiques (IHES) is a leading research centre and meeting place for interdisciplinary exchanges in mathematics, theoretical physics and related sciences. It stands out for its research based on people rather than programmes.
Actions towards developing countries
Cimpa, the International Centre for Pure and Applied Mathematics, promotes mathematical research in developing countries through three activities:
- organising around twenty research schools a year, its historical activity ;
- Supporting research training by funding research-level courses;
- funding the participation of young mathematicians in short international thematic programmes.
The role of mathematical societies
Three mathematical societies - which have links with international learned societies - look after the interests of French mathematics: the Société Mathématique de France (SMF), the Société de Mathématiques Appliquées et Industrielles(SMAI) and the Société Française de Statistique (SFdS). They have an important editorial role and are also involved in joint initiatives aimed at society, business and industry (particularly the SFdS and the SMAI in the latter case).