International Mathematical Conference in Nea Vyssa

In September 2000, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of the distinguished Greek mathematician Constantin Carathéodory, a World Mathematical Conference was organized in Nea Vyssa in his honor. The event was organized at the initiative of Professor of Mathematics and Dean of the Democritus University of Thrace, Mr. A. Vogiouklis, and with the assistance of the Cultural Association of Nea Vyssa “Stefanos Carathéodoris,” in the village where the scientist’s family has its roots.

The conference brought together prominent mathematicians and academics from Greece and abroad, who presented papers and lectures related to Carathéodory’s work and his influence on mathematics and the physical sciences. A special honor was the presence of Carathéodory’s daughter, Ms. Despina Rodopoulou–Carathéodory, who honored the event with her moving presence.

The organization of the conference highlighted the importance of Carathéodory’s work and strengthened the scientific and cultural profile of Nea Vyssa. The Cultural Association of Nea Vyssa “Stefanos Carathéodoris” contributed decisively to the success of the event, confirming its role as a body for the preservation and promotion of the region’s cultural heritage.

The level of presentations and the quality of the participants gave the conference international prestige, bringing to the forefront Carathéodory’s contribution to mathematics, physics, and also the philosophy of science. It is worth mentioning only the opinions of two famous mathematicians who participated in the conference.

The German professor Roland Bulirsch (University of Munich) stated:

“Carathéodory, the greatest Greek mathematician since antiquity, was a great gift from Greece to Germany. I regret that I cannot speak about him in his language, at a time when he spoke mine better than German philologists and philosophers.”

The Indian mathematician Srivastava, professor at Victoria University in Canada and a scholar of Carathéodory’s work, noted:

“The rest of us mathematicians seem very small in comparison to him.”

This event remains one of the most important in the history of the association and the community. The Cultural Association “Stefanos Carathéodoris,” with a sense of responsibility and pride, actively contributed to the organization and hosting of the conference, honoring the memory of one of the greatest Greek scientists and strengthening the connection of the local community with the global scientific community.

(source: https://geofarmak.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post.html)