Celebrating Jacob Palis: A scientist who transformed lives.

The Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) held the meeting “Celebrating the life of Jacob Palis”, this Friday (5), at the entity’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The ceremony, open to the public and broadcast on the ABC’s YouTube channel , honored the career of the mathematician who passed away in May of this year. Internationally recognized for his contributions to the theory of dynamical systems, Palis built a career marked by scientific excellence, institutional leadership and a deep commitment to the development of science in Brazil.

Led by the president of the ABC (Brazilian Academy of Sciences), Helena Nader, the ceremony included in-person and video testimonials from former ministers, Brazilian and foreign scientists, former students, friends, and family. Helena moved the audience by recalling her close relationship with Palis on crucial issues for Brazilian science, such as the Forest Code and the Legal Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation. She also highlighted "Jacob the family man," affectionate with his children and grandchildren, and "Jacob the citizen," a tireless advocate for inclusion and public science policies.

“Everything he did lives on in each of us. He was, above all, a great Brazilian. A man who did not accept inequality and who deeply believed in the role of science in transforming the country,” Helena stated.

At the event, the Director-General of IMPA, Marcelo Viana, recalled when he met Palis at a conference at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) in 1975. “I was a young recent graduate and Jacob was the star of the event. He not only attended my lecture but announced that he would be there, which resulted in a packed room. Jacob interrupted my presentation several times, asked many questions and, at the end, proposed that I do my doctorate at IMPA. That completely changed my life. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Jacob's way of doing things,” said Viana.

Viana's testimony echoed the sentiment that marked the entire morning of tributes: Jacob Palis didn't just transform Brazilian mathematics—he transformed people. "Everything he touched turned to gold," said UFRJ researcher Maria José Pacífico, who recalled Palis's magnificent career. "Jacob paved the way for Rio de Janeiro to host the ICM 2018, the first in Latin America. He paved the path that led Brazilian mathematics to the historic milestone of winning a Fields Medal. This dream, realized in 2014, was the result of a lifetime dedicated to strengthening and projecting national mathematics onto the international stage. He is no longer here; he has transformed and now flies gently with the butterflies, letting the breezes of his wings guide future generations. This breeze lives on and will inspire us forever."

Luiz Davidovich, professor emeritus at the Physics Institute of UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), made a point of emphasizing his great friendship with the scientist. “A friend in happiness, a friend in anxiety, and a friend in worry. That's how it was with Jacob. I couldn't refuse any of his requests. When he came to ask me for something, I would start trembling. 'What's coming next?'” he recounted, laughing.

Maria José Pacífico, Helena Nader, Suely Lima, Luiz Davidovich e Jailson Bittencourt lembram gesto de Palis, que defendia a destinação de 2% do PIB para ciência.

IMPA researcher Carlos Gustavo Moreira, who was a student of Palis, also shared memories and teachings of his mentor with the audience. “He used to say this to leaders around the world: it’s necessary to encourage young people, not to overburden young scientists with too many classes; it’s necessary to let them travel, do research, and pursue postdoctoral studies. He always advocated for the creation of a system where young people have the freedom to do high-level science.”

Suely Lima, coordinator of Events and Scientific Activities at IMPA and widow of Palis, recalled, with good humor, her turbulent start at the institute—after leaving a multinational company full of rules, she found the informal environment and Jacob's intense pace strange, always traveling, always demanding. “I thought I wouldn't stay. But I did. And, as Marcelo [Viana] said, it was a life-changing experience,” she recounted.

Suely described how Palis went through all her personal and professional phases, supporting her in important decisions, encouraging her to travel even when she hesitated because of her young children, and leading IMPA with a rare personality. “Everything worked out with him. What I am today, I owe to Jacob,” she stated. Upon entering the auditorium and seeing her husband's poster, she became emotional: “I had the impression that he was coming towards me, with that smile. I will miss him for eternity.”

Lindolpho de Carvalho Dias, director-general of IMPA between 1966 and 1989 with interruptions in 1969-1971 and 1978-1979, was also present at the celebration and recalled important moments shared with Palis at the Institute. Jorge Guimarães, former president of Embrapii and Capes, spoke of Palis's role in transforming IMPA into a Social Organization.

Authorities also paid tribute.

The tributes included video messages from authorities who worked with Jacob Palis for decades and who highlighted, from different perspectives, his decisive influence on the formulation of Brazilian science policies. The testimonials emphasized not only the internationally renowned mathematician, but also the tireless liaison who moved naturally between universities, ministries, and funding agencies, always defending science as a national project. From ministers to leaders of partner institutions, all emphasized his crucial role in consolidating strategic programs, bridging the gap between academia and government, and building a long-term vision for national research. See excerpts from the testimonials below.

Sérgio Rezende, former Minister of Science and Technology (2005-2011)
"He was a great scientist and a tireless advocate for science in Brazil," he stated.

Aloizio Mercadante, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (2011–2012): “He dignified Brazilian science and raised the level of our mathematics,” he stated.

Clélio Campolina Diniz, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (2014-2015)
"I am a witness to his dedication, his ethics, and his commitment to Brazilian science," he said.

Celso Pansera, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (2015 to 2016)
"I have deep respect and gratitude. Jacob was a great Brazilian," he declared.

Gilberto Kassab, former Minister of Science (2016–2019)
"He would call me twice a week to give suggestions. His smile and generosity will remain in my memory."

Paulo Alvim, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (2022-2023)
"Brazilian mathematics owes him a great deal. His resilience and vision remain an example."

Luiz Antônio Elias, former executive secretary of MCTI and current president of FINEP : "Celebrating Jacob Palis is celebrating his refusal to conform and his unwavering dedication to young talent."

The tributes transcended borders. Bai Chunli, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and TWAS, highlighted the scientific cooperation between Brazil and China driven by Palis, in addition to personal memories of visits, academic partnerships, and joint initiatives. “He was a brilliant leader. His spirit lives on in the work we continue to do,” he stated. The Frenchman Étienne Ghys, perpetual secretary of the French Academy of Sciences, spoke about Palis's importance during his time living in Brazil and at IMPA. “I arrived in Rio, at IMPA, in 1979, and Jacob helped me, finding an apartment for me. It was a fantastic moment in my personal and scientific life. I understood that it was possible to do mathematics with friendship, with great warmth, and all of this because of Jacob.”

The meeting “Celebrating the life of Jacob Palis” is available on ABC's YouTube channel .