Jacob Palis is honored at the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.

Researchers, former students, friends and collaborators gathered to celebrate Jacob Palis' 80th birthday at the Brazilian Academy of Sciences on Tuesday (10). The scientific work developed by the mathematician and his role as president of several institutions were discussed by the speakers. The honoree attended presentations by long-time colleagues.

“This is an event that dignifies the ABC,” said Luiz Davidovich, president of the institution, at the opening of the conference “Academical Bridges: celebrating Jacob Palis’ 80th anniversary.” Showing old photos of Palis alongside Maurício Peixoto and Stephen Smale, Davidovich emphasized that when the mathematician was still a recent graduate, he was already a role model for high school students. “I could never have imagined that that brilliant student would become my close friend.”

Emeritus researcher at IMPA, Palis presided over the ABC between 2007 and 2016. During his three terms, he implemented important structural changes such as the creation of regional vice-presidencies, the category of affiliate members, and institutional members. "He has a trademark of promoting major transformations in the institutions he has been involved with," noted the current president of the ABC.

“There is absolutely no chance that I could do justice to Jacob’s contribution in my presentation,” announced Marcelo Viana, director-general of IMPA, at the beginning of his lecture. “He has over 40 years of experience in the field of dynamical systems, and it would be impossible to summarize that in a few words,” he added.

Since becoming a researcher at IMPA, Palis has supervised 41 doctoral students, produced over 70 mathematical publications, and collaborated with 23 co-authors. “Jacob is one of those rare individuals whose life and career have achieved historical significance. His mark touches science as a whole, on a global scale.”

The president of the Brazilian Mathematical Society (SBM), Paolo Piccione, commented on the measures that Palis took as a member of the SBM and the International Mathematical Union (IMU), such as the creation of the lectures of excellence and the allocation of resources so that Brazilian mathematicians could participate in conferences abroad.

According to Jerson Lima, president of the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), the honoree is like a "Midas" of Brazilian science, turning everything he touches into gold. "During his presidency of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), he used the innovative ideas implemented at the ABC, encouraging men and women from all over the world to pursue scientific careers. He proved that talent has no geographical, ethnic, or gender preference."

It was at the ceremony for the Women in Science Award, which she won in 2011, that researcher Viviane Ribeiro Tomaz (UFMG) met the professor. “He conveyed a level of support that I can't put into words, talking about the importance of women working in science. When I started my academic career, I thought I would be a primary school teacher. This was the first time I realized I was a scientist.”

Not even the coronavirus outbreak prevented colleagues from participating in the celebration. Stefano Luzzatto, from the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP); and Mohamed HA Hassan, president of TWAS, participated in the event via Skype.

Mentored by Palis during his postdoctoral studies, Luzzatto highlighted what he considers one of the most striking traits of the Brazilian researcher. “Jacob sees students as human beings before they are mathematicians. He manages to create a synergy between students and mentors in such a way that everyone feels deeply involved with the research. This is one of the reasons why IMPA's school of dynamical systems is a worldwide success.”

Hassan spoke about Palis's extensive career at TWAS, listing three of his greatest contributions to the academy. "He continued important projects from previous presidents, increased support for young scientists, and transformed TWAS into a global academy," he mentioned.