The Institute Letter, Spring/Summer 2026

Encounter the humanistic roots of mathematics through a seminar that examines the original texts of Newton, Riemann, and more. Join an astrophysicist as he applies his wandering curiosity to “tidal disruption events” around black holes, while preparing for an impending explosion of new data. Discover the fascinating history of “Labanotation,” a unique system for transcribing choreography that fundamentally reshaped our view of the body. Learn how the engineering challenge of teaching computers to “see” blossomed into elegant developments in pure mathematics. Unpick IAS history with an intricately embroidered tablecloth. Read recent research news spanning the role of disability in the Renaissance to the psychodynamics of modern conspiracy culture.

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A white teacup with a gold rim sits on a matching saucer on a yellow tablecloth embroidered with various signatures in orange and white thread.

Tablecloth of Signatures

The Institute Letter, Spring/Summer 2026

How can an archive capture and preserve the most ephemeral aspect of an institution's legacy—the intimate conversations shared among its scholars? A unique artifact addressing this exact challenge was acquired by the Shelby White and Leon Levy Archives Center in early 2026: a dinner tablecloth belonging to Gabrielle Borel, embroidered with the signatures of the renowned guests she hosted.

Historical Studies

Disability as Authority in the Early Modern Period

The Institute Letter, Spring/Summer 2026

In a book titled Crip Authority: Disability and the Art of Consolation in the Renaissance, written during her time at IAS, Elizabeth B. Bearden, Felix Gilbert Member (2022–23) in the School of Historical Studies, shows how disabled authors resisted ableism with the help of an ancient, respected literary genre: consolation.

Press Release

Scholars Achieve Groundbreaking Calculations of Luminous Black Hole Accretion

December 03, 2025

Building on decades of effort, Lizhong Zhang, Member (2023–24) in the School of Natural Sciences; James Stone, Professor in the School; and a team of astrophysicists have achieved a major milestone: developing the most comprehensive model to date of luminous black hole accretion. Their breakthrough allows scholars to "observe" such black hole systems not through a telescope, but through a computer.