13th SIS Congress Symmetry: Art and Science

The SIS regular Congress Symmetry: Art and Science is devoted to the study of symmetry patterns in sciences and the arts. SIS has a tradition of interesting and productive scientific meetings in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, attracting leading researchers and professionals in a variety of fields who exhibit such patterns. 

The 13th SIS Congress Symmetry: Art and Science is devoted to the same circle of problems traditionally discussed in the triennial SIS meetings. However, this year, the SIS Congress honours two unique personalities representing art and science, respectively: Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 – 1957), born in Crete, where the Congress is held, and Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955). Their historic encounter dates back to the early 1950s, when Kazantzakis and Einstein exchanged several letters reflecting upon the fundamental questions of human existence. A. Einstein was at that time already awarded the Nobel Prize (1921) while N. Kazantzakis was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in nine different years during the period 1947-1957, but his election was undermined by the Greek government. Nevertheless, he remains the most translated modern Greek author worldwide. 

Moreover, this year is the anniversary of 100 years after the birth of Mikis Theodorakis (1925-2021), who scored for the film Zorba the Greek (1964), based on the 1946 novel The Life and Times of Alexis Zorba by Nikos Kazantzakis. The SIS Congress will overlap with the Cultural Program scheduled by the Chania Administration dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of Mikis Theodorakis.