The Brazilian Academy of Sciences Celebrates the Life of Jacob Palis
On 5 December 2025, the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) is hosting a public memorial honouring Jacob Palis (1940–2025), the internationally acclaimed mathematician whose pioneering work in dynamical systems, transformative leadership at institutions such as IMPA and the ABC, and global scientific influence – including co-chairing the 2013 World Science Forum – left a lasting legacy. The ceremony, featuring tributes from colleagues and leaders, including a heartfelt message from József Pálinkás, former President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, will be streamed live on the ABC’s YouTube channel.
Jacob Palis (1940–2025) was one of Brazil’s most prominent mathematicians and an internationally recognised figure in the field of dynamical systems. He earned his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, under the supervision of Stephen Smale. With dozens of publications in leading journals and generations of students – including Fields Medalists – his influence extended across borders and disciplines.
Among his many honours were the Balzan Prize, the Grand Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit, and the TWAS Prize in Mathematics. His research profoundly contributed to the understanding of the typical behaviour of dynamical systems and the prediction of uncertainties.
Palis played a pivotal role in numerous scientific institutions: the Brazilian Mathematical Society (SBM), the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science (SBPC), the National Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), the International Mathematical Union (IMU), the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
At IMPA, he led the institution’s transformation into a social organisation, strengthening its autonomy and international reach. As President of the ABC from 2007 to 2016, he created Regional Vice-Presidencies and Affiliate Members systems within the institution, while establishing governance practices that remain an institutional benchmark.
Palis served as Co-Chair of the 2013 World Science Forum – the first edition held outside Hungary – hosted in Rio de Janeiro with the theme “Science for Global Sustainable Development”. His leadership helped position the Forum as a truly global event.
In a video message, József Pálinkás paid tribute to Jacob Palis as a distinguished mathematician and deeply committed science leader. He recalled their close collaboration, which enabled the ABC to join the World Science Forum’s organising partners and contributed to the success of the 2013 Forum in Rio. Pálinkás expressed gratitude, respect and affection for Palis’s lasting contributions.
Former ministers, politicians, former rectors, academics and friends gather on 5 December to share memories of Jacob Palis’s scientific and institutional contributions.
The event is open to all, and the livestream will be available on the ABC’s YouTube channel.