Heart attacks, known to doctors as myocardial infarctions, are a leading cause of death around the world.

At the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS), a research team led by Mikhail Gromov is seeking to use mathematics to better understand the cause of heart attacks.

The Simons Foundation supports Gromov’s investigation of the heart as part of its 11-year record of contributions to IHÉS. Half of a recent contribution from the Simons Foundation will fund the Institute’s activities at the interface of biology and mathematics.

The investigation into the electrophysiological geometry of the heart by Gromov continues the Institute’s tradition of fundamental research in the sciences. Gromov’s team hopes that the knowledge they will gain through their investigation will help in discovering ways to prevent heart attacks.The objective is to identify a metric that governs the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the heart. The metric may prove useful in characterizing normal and abnormal heart functions. IHÉS is one of the world’s premiere research institutions. Located in Bures-sur-Yvette, France, IHÉS is dedicated to fostering fundamental advances in mathematics, physics and other related theory-based disciplines.

Founded in 1958, IHÉS has a small number of permanent professors, appointed for life, and invites about 200 visitors a year for varying terms averaging three months. It also has a small number of long-term visitors. Research is not contracted or directed; it is left to each individual researcher to pursue their own goals. Permanent professors are only required to be in residence six months a year.