Jérémie Bouttier appointed Director of the Institut Henri Poincaré

Jérémie Bouttier has been appointed Director of the Institut Henri Poincaré (IHP), an internal school of Sorbonne Université and a support and research unit jointly overseen by Sorbonne Université and the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). This appointment results from a decree by the Minister responsible for Higher Education and Research, and a decision by the Chairman and CEO of the CNRS. It follows a proposal from IHP Council, chaired by Ms. Karine Berger.

Jérémie Bouttier succeeds Dominique Mouhanna, who has been serving as Interim Director of IHP since 1 January 2025, and Sylvie Benzoni, who held the position from 1 January 2018, to 31 December 2024. Among the institute's former directors are also Cédric Villani and Émile Borel.

On this occasion, Jérémie Bouttier reflects on his career path, motivations, and the projects he wishes to pursue at the helm of the Institut Henri Poincaré.

What is your professional background?

I have been a professor at Sorbonne Université since 2023. I teach in the Mathematics Department and conduct my research at the Institut de Mathématiques de Jussieu–Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG). Before that, I was a researcher at the Institut de physique théorique of the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA). I have also worked at the Écoles normales supérieures in both Paris (rue d'Ulm) and Lyon. My research lies at the intersection of mathematics and theoretical physics, specifically between combinatorics, statistical physics, and probability.

What motivated you to take on the role of Director of the Institut Henri Poincaré?

The Institut Henri Poincaré, an international research center in mathematics and theoretical physics, has been a central place in my career, as it has for many other researchers in France. I have visited many times—to attend talks, give presentations, organise scientific events, collaborate with colleagues, and work in its library.

At the beginning of this year, I learned that IHP was seeking a new director. After discussing it with several colleagues, I became convinced that this role was made for me: given its scientific positioning and its central role in promoting research in France, I deeply understand the mission of IHP. Leading it will be a great honour.

Can you tell us about your missions and the projects you intend to lead at the Institut Henri Poincaré?

First, there is the IHP library, which is undergoing a major project to sort and catalog a collection of old books, digitise its collection of mathematical models, and more. It is essential to ensure the library has sufficient human resources for this task.

Next, there is the Centre Émile Borel: the key issue here is to secure its funding, which is vital for continuing to bring researchers from around the world. A large part of the funding currently comes from the Labex CARMIN program, launched in 2011 and shared by several institutes (CIRM, CIMPA, IHÉS, IHP). However, CARMIN is expected to come to an end soon, so I will need to be actively involved in creating a new funding framework, in collaboration with the directors of the other institutes.

Finally, since 2023, IHP has had a third department: the Maison Poincaré, a museum dedicated to promoting mathematics to the general public. The museum is currently operating at only 60% of its capacity, and significant work is required to get it running at full speed. This includes practical matters (hiring mediation staff, managing ticketing, ensuring accessibility…) as well as developing new content to refresh the exhibitions.

I also hope to contribute to the institute’s scientific strategy, with several ideas in mind: for example, reviving a long-term visiting scholar program, and strengthening interactions with nearby institutions, including the Institut Curie.