Noted philanthropist Simons passes away

Patan (Lalitpur), May 13:  James Harris "Jim" Simons, the founder of the Nick Simons Foundation and the Nick Simons Institute, passed away on last Friday. He was 86.

The Nick Simons Institute has provided significant support to the Nepal's healthcare system. 

According to Nick Simons Institute chairperson Vidhyadhar Mallik, Jim, a renowned mathematician, pioneering investor and a great philanthropist, passed away in his Manhattan-based home in America on last Friday.

Nick had developed a special affinity for Nepal with his visit to Nepal in 2002. He died in Indonesia in 2003 and Jim began contributing to the Nepal's healthcare system through the Nick Simons Foundation and the Nick Simons Institute in Nepal.

As a mathematician, he received the national award from the United States of America for his outstanding contribution to geometry.

Jim is greatly acknowledged for his contribution to the Quantum Field Theory and String theory in mathematics and Condensed Matter Physics.

Following a successful career in mathematics, Jim decided to switch to an investment sector in his 40's by establishing the Renaissance Technologies, an investment management firm.  He was a determinant of a fortune on the Wall Street.  (RSS)