Public Release: 

33 laureates of mathematics and computer science heading to Heidelberg!

This year's recipients of the most renowned prizes in mathematics and computer science will be at the 6th Heidelberg Laureate Forum!

Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation

200 outstanding young researchers

Even with all of the esteemed guests, standing at center stage of the HLF are the 200 young researchers hailing from 60 nations, who went through a demanding selection process. The HLF's fundamental purpose as a cross-generational and interdisciplinary networking conference creates the opportunity for these young minds to find motivation and inspiration through extensive interaction with the laureates. 10 out of these 200 talented young scientists discuss their work, goals and hopes on the HLF-Blog: https://scilogs.spektrum.de/hlf/

Two Nobel laureates attending

The list continues with two Nobel laureates, William D. Phillips and Jose Ramos-Horta. Phillips, who received the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics together with Steven Chu and Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, will be giving this year's Lindau Lecture, "Time, Einstein and the Coolest Stuff in the Universe," on Tuesday of the HLF-week. As a guest speaker for the final evening at Heidelberg Castle, Jose Ramos-Horta will take the stage. Ramos-Horta is former president of East Timor was honored in 1996 with the Nobel Peace Prize for his work towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict.

Technology behind blockchain examined

In addition to laureate lectures, workshops and discussion groups, the Hot Topic is a fundamental component of HLF's scientific program. This year's theme revolves around the technology behind blockchain, which shot into the public's awareness with the cryptocurrency boom. Many organizations are examining the new technology with a growing interest due to some big promises: reliability, transparency and absolute security. On September 25, a panel of experts will illuminate how distributed ledgers work, discuss their potential and try to answer whether or not these promises are valid. The Hot Topic was organized and will be moderated by Eva Wolfangel, who received 2018's "European Science Writer of the Year" award.

Women in mathematics and computer science

Women are still massively underrepresented in STEM. During the Scientific Interaction session on September 28, women that were able to overcome the roadblocks and have successful scientific careers will address why that is the case and discuss how best to navigate the scientific and academic environments.

Running parallel to the Forum, the HLFF is presenting the traveling exhibition, "Women of Mathematics throughout Europe," which consists of the portraits and biographies of 13 mathematicians. The exhibition is open to the public daily from Sunday, September 23 to Thursday, September 27 in the Senatssaal of Heidelberg University, Old University Grabengasse 1, Heidelberg, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.

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More information is available here: http://www.heidelberg-laureate-forum.org

All journalists interested in organizing interviews or covering the 6th Heidelberg Laureate Forum please contact: media[at]heidelberg-laureate-forum.org

Background

The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation (HLFF) annually organizes the Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF), which is a networking event for mathematicians and computer scientists from all over the world. The 6th Heidelberg Laureate Forum will take place from September 23 to 28, 2018. The HLFF was established and is funded by the German foundation Klaus Tschira Stiftung (KTS), which promotes natural sciences, mathematics and computer science. The scientific partners of the HLFF are the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) and Heidelberg University. The HLF is strongly supported by the award-granting institutions, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the International Mathematical Union (IMU), and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (DNVA).

Registration and Press Inquiries

Wylder Green
Nicole Schmitt
Christiane Schirok
Communications
Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation
Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 33, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany
media[at]heidelberg-laureate-forum.org
Telephone: +49-6221-533-384

Internet: http://www.heidelberg-laureate-forum.org/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeidelbergLaureateForum

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HLForum

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LaureateForum

Science Blog: http://www.scilogs.com/hlf

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