Former President of the European Research Council met with mathematicians of University of Tartu

Former President of the European Research Council with mathematicians of University of Tartu on the terrace of Delta Center (from the left: Kaido Lätt, Johann Langemets, Meelis Käärik, Jean‑Pierre Bourguignon, Mati Abel, Viktor Abramov, Jüri Lember and Rainis Haller).
Former President of the European Research Council with mathematicians of University of Tartu on the terrace of Delta Center (from the left: Kaido Lätt, Johann Langemets, Meelis Käärik, Jean‑Pierre Bourguignon, Mati Abel, Viktor Abramov, Jüri Lember and Ra
Author: Henry Narits

On 14 and 15 May, the University of Tartu hosted the distinguished mathematician and former President of the European Research Council (ERC), Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, who also met with representatives of the Institute of Computer Science and the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics at the Delta centre on 14 May.

At the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, the guest was hosted by Associate Professor in Functional Analysis and Vice Dean for Research of the Faculty of Science and Technology Johann Langemets, Professors Emeriti Viktor Abramov and Mati Abel, Associate Professor in Probability Theory and Head of the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics Meelis Käärik, Lecturer in Mathematics and Vice Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics Kaido Lätt, Professor in Probability Theory Jüri Lember, and Professor of Mathematical Analysis Rainis Haller.

The former President of the European Research Council was interested in how the institute’s research groups are organised, in which fields of mathematics research is conducted, and how academic staff divide their time between teaching and research. Bourguignon shared experiences and stories from his professional career and from his time as President of the European Research Council. Naturally, discussions also focused on research funding, and ideas were exchanged on what could be done differently to attract more ERC grants to Estonia. “Professor Bourguignon also spoke in more detail about the work and organisation of the ERC mathematics panel, as well as the related challenges and political pressure,” said Head of the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics Meelis Käärik.

On 15 May, Professor Bourguignon also gave a public lecture at the University of Tartu on applying for ERC grants and the future of European research. All interested were welcome to attend the lecture.

Before coming to Tartu, Professor Bourguignon also met with representatives of Tallinn University on 13 May.

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Former President of the European Research Council, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, met with representatives of the Institute of Computer Science and the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics.
Former President of the European Research Council, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, met with representatives of the Institute of Computer Science and the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics. Author: Henry Narits