The Solvay family has been supporting fundamental science for more than a century.The benevolent involvement of Mrs. Solvay (“Mimi”) with the Solvay Institutes started in 1954 on the occasion of the 10th Solvay Conference on Physics, “Les électrons dans les métaux”.  Since then, for 65 years, i.e., for more than half the existence of the Solvay Institutes, Mrs. Solvay has carried the torch of the philanthropy of the Solvay family with unfailing commitment. This is a unique example of long-lasting support to curiosity-driven research. This generosity carries a distinctive touch that makes it very special, without which the International Solvay Institutes would not be what they are. The participants in the Solvay Conferences, who all keep a vivid memory of the charming receptions at the Long Fonds, will certainly agree with this statement.
 
On July 8, the International Solvay Institutes celebrated Mrs. Solvay’s exceptional commitment and support by organizing a one-day fest in her honor. The event gathered in a family atmosphere scientists and friends of the Institutes. The history of the Solvay Conferences and of their impact on the development of science were recalled, the similarities between Ernest Solvay and Alfred Nobel were covered, and the figures of Robert Oppenheimer and of Stephen Hawking, who came often to the Solvay activities and for whom Mrs. Solvay had a caring appreciation, were also remembered.

The event took place in the House of Ernest Solvay in Brussels.  It was preceded for the international guests by the visit of the “Hotel Solvay”, a jewel of “Art Nouveau”.