The Institute Letter Fall 2024

Read how Caroline Walker Bynum, Professor Emerita in the School of Historical Studies, has engaged in processes of revisitation and transformation throughout her career, broadening the interpretive frameworks of a series of material objects with each analysis. Explore the influence of Peter Sarnak, Professor Emeritus in the School of Mathematics, on broad areas of mathematics with his work on Ramanujan graphs. Discover the innovative research being conducted in the School of Natural Sciences on gravitational waves, detailing how each individual Member or small group of scholars plays a role in driving forward scientific understanding in this field. Investigate how a single theme unites volumes both old and new in the Historical Studies - Social Science Library. Understand how an unexpected archival collection enhances our knowledge of an IAS community defined by migration and mobility.

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Social Science

Challenging Conceptions of “Borders” and “Race”: Q&A with E. Tendayi Achiume

Introducing E. Tendayi Achiume, Ashvin B. Chhabra and Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra Member in the School of Social Science, whose research focuses on the international legal frameworks that govern migration, racism, and xenophobia. In this Q&A, she highlights IAS scholars who have influenced her work, the value of collaboration, and how she plans to expand her scope of analysis beyond nation states to transnational corporations during her time at IAS.

Natural Sciences

Mapping the Fate of the Universe: Q&A with Beatrix Muehlmann

Meet Beatrix Muehlmann, Member in the School of Natural Sciences, who is curious about the origin and fate of the universe. In this Q&A, she details her efforts to describe gravity through the principles of quantum mechanics, her admiration for mathematical physicist Emmy Noether, and the joy of being a part of a group of scientists interested in fundamental questions.

Mathematics

In Search of Striking Mathematical Patterns: Q&A with Ellen Eischen

Meet Ellen Eischen, von Neumann Fellow in the School of Mathematics, who works in the field of number theory, exploring the nature of whole numbers. In this Q&A, she shares her journey through math, from the secret math journal she kept in high school, to a Women in Numbers program that facilitated her research, to joining the Institute for the 2024–25 academic year.

Historical Studies

Demystifying Ancient Magical Practices: Q&A with Celia Sánchez Natalías

Introducing Celia Sánchez Natalías, William D. Loughlin Member in the School of Historical Studies, whose research focuses on lead curse tablets, or defixiones, from the Roman period. In this Q&A, she discusses her ‘autopsy’ work, being motivated by curiosity, and her fascination with virtually unrolling papyri.

IAS News

IAS Scholars Join Forces for "Science and the State" Special Issue

May 20, 2024

Past Members from the School of Social Science have edited a special issue of Public Culture titled "Science and the State." The papers arise from the 2020–21 theme seminar of the same name, led by Alondra Nelson, Harold F. Linder Professor in the School, and Visiting Professor Charis Thompson.