The Tulipán Foundation, in partnership with Dr. Tamás Novák, Science and Innovation Diplomat, proudly hosted the third edition of the Neumann Conference Series at the Liberty Science Center. This year's conference, titled “Visionaries of the Future: Celebrating Mathematics, Science, and the Art of Strategic Play,” paid tribute to the enduring legacy of John von Neumann—a Hungarian pioneer in mathematics, artificial intelligence, and game theory—whose groundbreaking contributions continue to influence the future of science and technology.
Throughout the day, attendees explored how strategic play—central to success in games chess and the Rubik’s Cube—can be powerful tools for learning, critical thinking, and innovation. The event was not only a celebration of John von Neumann’s achievements, but also of the role that games play in education and personal development.
The conference kicked off in the EY Conference Room with a series of thought-provoking discussions amongst distinguished leaders in mathematics, artificial intelligence, and education. A highlight for all was the captivating panel discussion titled “The Chessboard of the Mind: How Chess Cultivates Logic, Strategy, and Critical Thinking,” featuring none other than Judit Polgár, the greatest female chess player of all time, alongside Paul Hoffman, President and CEO of the Liberty Science Center. Together, they explored how chess sharpens the mind and strengthens problem-solving skills, drawing on von Neumann’s influential work in game theory.
As part of the day’s programming, the main floor of the Liberty Science Center was transformed into a hub of interactive activities. Led by renowned cuber Dylan Sadiq, visitors participated in the creation of a stunning 1,000+ piece Rubik’s Cube mosaic, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary puzzle. Guests also had the opportunity to try out new Rubik’s Cube products and games, delving into the puzzle’s fascinating connection to mathematics.
The conference concluded with a truly unforgettable experience—a chess simulation featuring Judit Polgár herself. A group of schoolchildren from New York and New Jersey had the rare opportunity to face off against the chess Grandmaster, experiencing firsthand the art of strategic play.
What made the closing event even more special was the use of custom made chess sets, handcrafted by Krisztián Jancsó, a Tulipán Foundation grant recipient and a skilled woodcarver from the Nádudvar Folk Handicrafts Vocational High School in Hungary. These beautifully designed chess boards and pieces were crafted specifically for the event and gifted to the children as a lasting memento of their incredible day with one of the greatest minds in chess.
The third edition of the Neumann Conference Series was a remarkable day of learning, discovery, and inspiration, as it brought together visionaries from around the world to celebrate the intersection of mathematics, science, and play. We look forward to continuing to foster curiosity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange in the years to come.