Digital alternatives planned to connect researchers this year
8th Heidelberg Laureate Forum postponed until 2021
Since the outbreak and rapid spread of COVID-19, we have been closely monitoring the pandemic and its impact while continually asking ourselves what this means for the Forum. It is currently impossible to foresee how the effects of the coronavirus will develop by September. Therefore, in agreement with the award granting institutions - The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), The International Mathematical Union (IMU), The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (DNVA) - we have decided to postpone the 8th HLF until next year. Above all, our utmost priority is the health and safety of all HLF attendees, partners and employees as well as the citizens of Heidelberg.
This decision certainly comes as no surprise, nevertheless, this step was not easy for us to take. Despite the HLF being a young event, it has cemented its place in the worlds of mathematics and computer science, both internationally as well as in Heidelberg.
Participants of the HLF come from all over the world, whether certain travel restrictions will remain in effect is uncertain. Many people around the world are confronting bleak circumstances and there was no other reasonable resolution other than postponing until next year.
Despite the drawback, we refuse to passively wait until next year to roll around. Under the motto “Virtual HLF – traversing separation,” we are eagerly working to develop digital formats for this September such as a panel discussion revolving around eHealth and a platform that enables the laureates and young researchers to efficiently exchange ideas. A “Virtual HLF” can certainly not replicate the experience provided by the personal exchanges during the HLF-week, however this is a valuable opportunity to experiment with new platforms.
The 8th HLF will now take place September 19-24, 2021. The application and selection phase for the 8th HLF has already been completed and all invitations will be honoured.
The application phase for the 9th HLF 2022 begins November 11, 2021 and run until February 11, 2022.
All updates regarding the HLF virtual program will be found on our website in the forseeable future. Feel free to browse through our website to find other news, coverage of previous Forums, past lectures and additional information. Video material can also be found on our YouTube channel.
For any inquiries regarding the HLF, reach out to Sarah or Martina at yr@heidelberg-laureate-forum.org