 Hello, everyone, and welcome to the 2021 Friends of IHES Gala. I am so thrilled that we're all gathered here for this very special evening to honor support and celebrate women in fundamental research, a cause very near and dear to my heart. To me, IHES is a true model. Not only it is a unique place where outstanding scientists from all over the globe can meet, exchange ideas and sometimes change the world. If we are here tonight, it's also because in addition to the many things that we do well, there are also some fundamental issues that we still need to address. Many scientists here, many philanthropists, many friends here, many people from diverse backgrounds, but all sharing this devotion. We do not only want to celebrate IHES, but also to reflect on the underrepresentation of women. This year's Gala honoree is Marilyn Simons. Marilyn has contributed immensely to the development of science and technology. It is truly a privilege to be here to honor Marilyn, and if you don't know Marilyn personally, she's not just brilliant, she's buoyant. Here we are invigorated by the search for life. This is our ordinary star, and if you look at our own solar system, it's pretty obvious that the planets are varied in ways that are astounding. You know, if you want to move knowledge further, you really have to find the best people around the world and really encourage their efforts and promote their research. I think there's a lot of hope and optimism for the future, and I think getting that message out would be really encouraging.