John von Neumann Memorial Year

The world-famous Hungarian mathematician János Neumann (also known as John von Neumann) would be 120 years old this year. On the occasion of the jubilee year, the John von Neumann Society, which bears his name, is preparing a series of commemorative events throughout the year with the aim of making make the von Neumann heritage as accessible as possible.

In a statement issued on Friday, the John von Neumann Society recalled that János Neumann was one of the most important scientists of his time, and he also founded the operating principles of modern computers. "In 1999, the Financial Times also elected him as the man of the 20th century, since he laid the foundations of a new world with the mathematical clarification of quantum mechanics, he created great things in the fields of atomic physics, game theory (economics), cellular automata or even numerical meteorology," they wrote.

According to the announcement, the opening event of the ‘Neumann 120’ commemorative year will take place on January 18 at Óbuda University, where a professional conference will be held to pay tribute to one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. At the event, the speakers will present a number of topics, from the history of the development of information technology in Hungary to the results achieved up to the present day, from Neumann's game theory to the current achievements of robotics and medical IT.

The events of the commemorative year also include a traveling exhibition on the history of science, a fine art exhibition, a commemorative tree planting, a conference and the publication of a decorative album presenting János Neumann's thoughtfulness.