Elon Lages Lima is honored during the 31st CBM.

Elon Lages Lima, former director of the Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), will be honored during the 31st Brazilian Mathematics Colloquium (CBM). Considered the largest meeting of the Brazilian mathematical community, the event takes place at IMPA headquarters, in Rio de Janeiro, until next Friday (4).

The memory of the mathematician from Alagoas will be celebrated this Thursday (August Tuesdays) at 4 pm, in a special lecture given by Carlos Gustavo Tamm Moreira, one of the many young researchers influenced by him. On the same day, a plaque will be unveiled at the entrance of his former office at IMPA, as a way to perpetuate his memory at the institution.

Elon directed IMPA in three periods (1969-71, 1979-80 and 1989-93). He also presided over the Brazilian Mathematical Society (SBM) from 1973 to 1975, and was a member of the National Education Council and the Higher Council of the Rio de Janeiro State Research Support Foundation (Faperj).

In the 1990s, Elon created the High School Mathematics Teacher Improvement Program (PAPMEM), which has already benefited more than 20,000 teachers in Brazil.

He is also recognized for his fundamental contribution to Brazilian mathematical literature. With more than 40 published books, he has twice received the Jabuti Prize for Exact Sciences from the Brazilian Book Chamber. The Jabuti is the most important literary award in Brazil.

Elon began his studies in Ceará and Rio de Janeiro. He obtained his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Chicago, specializing in Algebraic Topology. After returning to Brazil, he became a researcher at IMPA.

A full member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences since 1963, he received the Order of Scientific Merit in the Grand Cross class from the Presidency of the Republic, and the Anísio Teixeira Prize from the Ministry of Education.

In addition to his brilliant professional career, Elon played the role of mentor and inspiration to outstanding young mathematicians in the country, such as Fields Medal winner Artur Avila, Carlos Gustavo Moreira (both from IMPA), Ralph Teixeira, from the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), and Nicolau Saldanha (PUC-Rio).