The memory of mathematician Alexander Grothendieck celebrated at the entrance to the Faculty of Sciences in Montpellier

Children from leisure centers were present, after having participated in scientific workshops on site. Free Midi – GIACOMO ITALIANO

The mathematician and politician Cédric Villani paid tribute to Alexander Grothendieck. Free Midi – GIACOMO ITALIANO

The dean of the faculty of sciences Jean-Michel Marin (left) and the president of the University of Montpellier Philippe Augé (at the microphone). Free Midi – GIACOMO ITALIANO

L’entrée principale du campus Triolet bénéficie d’un parvis réaménagé. – F. A.

Une exposition retraçait la vie d’Alexander Grothendieck. – F. A.

Celui qui reste comme l’un des plus grands mathématiciens du XXe siècle, a étudié et enseigné à Montpellier. Son nom a été donné ce mercredi 15 mai au parvis réaménagé du campus Triolet.

"He didn’like celebrations and tributes", confided the dean of the faculty of sciences, Jean-Michel Marin. But the eminent mathematician Alexander Grothendieck (1928-2014) amply justified that his memory be honored in Montpellier, where he was a student after the Second World War, then a teacher of 1973 to 1988. This Wednesday, May 15, his name was assigned to the redeveloped forecourt of the Triolet campus, between rue du Truel and avenue Paul-Parguel (read box).

The tribute of Cédric Villani

And it was a contemporary figure in mathematics, Cédric Villani, who was present for this inauguration. The scientist and politician shares with Alexander Grothendieck the fact that he was awarded the Fields Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in the discipline. He paid tribute to the one who remains "perhaps the greatest mathematician of the second half of the 20th century" , capable of "generalize, simplify, make complex things trivial." Cédric Villani retains the brilliance of his demonstrations where "the result fell like a ripe fruit."

The dean of Jean-Michel Marin saluted "the considerable scientific heritage" bequeathed by Grothendieck, considered the re-founder of algebraic geometry. During the speeches, other faces of the scientist appeared: environmentalist and anti-militarist activist, protester against institutions, writer.

Science workshops for children

Enough to attract younger generations to maths. Children from the François-Villon, Oxford and Aiguelongue leisure centers, as well as from the MUC association, attended this inauguration after participating in workshops offered on site. "We worked on computers to create robots", explained Siryne, Lina, Nadine and Adam, elementary school students. Mayor Michaël Delafosse insisted on "the challenge of giving people a taste for mathematics and science. More than ever, the Republic needs scientists, doctoral students, students."

1.8 million works

"A meeting place, exchange", redeveloped and completed at the’ next autumn of plantings: Michaël Delafosse took the opportunity to detail the important work carried out around the Triolet campus, both on Place Eugène-Bataillon and on Avenue Paul-Parguel  : public lighting, pedestrian and cyclist paths, racks for parking bicycles, guide strips for the visually impaired and those with reduced mobility. Achievements amounting to 1.8 M€, financed by the Metropolis.