On June 24, 2026, a scientific delegation from the Xuemin Institute of Advanced Studies, Fudan University (XIAS) visited the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques - IHES - one of the world's most storied centers for fundamental research in mathematics and theoretical physics, for two days of scientific exchanges and institutional dialogues. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutes, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership dedicated to advancing fundamental research and supporting the next generation of scientific talent.

The event began with a seminar series featuring three presentations spanning probability theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical physics. It was attended by IHES permanent professors Emmanuel Ullmo, Maxim Kontsevich, Slava Rychkov, and Dustin Clausen, together with visiting scholars, and young researchers. It marked the beginning of a new and ambitious scientific partnership between the two institutes.

Professor Élie Aïdékon of Fudan University’s School of Mathematical Sciences presented Three Perspectives on Brownian Motion, offering a fresh geometric and stochastic lens on Brownian motion, one of the most fundamental objects in probability, by viewing it as a system of coalescing lines on the plane.

Professor Christopher Brav of the Shanghai Institute for Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences (SIMIS) delivered a lecture entitled Noncommutative Geometry at Infinity. His presentation introduced a unified approach to studying the boundary at infinity of spaces in topology, algebraic geometry, and symplectic topology, using a synthesis of methods from analytic and noncommutative geometry.

Associate Professor Satoshi Nawata from the Department of Physics at Fudan University spoke on Mysterious Relations between the Geometry of Hitchin Moduli Spaces and VOA Modules from 4d N=2 Theories. His talk examined mysterious links between geometry, representation theory, and quantum field theory, reflecting the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of contemporary theoretical physics.

The discussions that followed extended well beyond the formal presentations. The atmosphere of openness and intellectual curiosity reflected the shared values of XIAS and IHES: a commitment to scientific excellence, academic freedom, and the pursuit of fundamental questions.

Following the seminar, the two institutions formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was jointly signed by Dr. Xiahong Helena Yang, Executive Director of XIAS, and Dr. Emmanuel Ullmo, Director of IHES. The partnership establishes a framework for scientific exchanges, joint academic activities, and collaborative initiatives aimed at nurturing outstanding young researchers.

Founded on a shared belief that transformative discoveries often emerge from curiosity-driven research, XIAS and IHES are committed to building a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange across disciplines and borders. As the partnership begins, both institutions look forward to fostering new collaborations, empowering future scientific leaders, and advancing fundamental knowledge for the benefit of the global scientific community.

The visit represents not only the formal launch of a new institutional partnership, but also the beginning of a broader dialogue between two communities united by a common vision: creating the freedom and conditions in which bold ideas and exceptional talent can flourish.

Photo credit: Sophie Zhou (Fudan Alumni Association France) & Chris Peus (IHES)