Karen Uhlenbeck, a renowned mathematician and professor at the University of Texas, has made history by becoming the first woman to be awarded the esteemed Abel Prize for 2019. Recognized for her significant contributions in the fields of geometric partial differential equations, gauge theory, and integrable systems, Uhlenbeck’s work continues to greatly impact analysis, geometry, and mathematical physics.
Origins of the Abel Prize
Named after the noted 19th century Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel, the Abel Prize was instituted by the Norwegian government in 2002 to commemorate Abel’s 200th birth anniversary. The award is given in recognition of exceptionally profound and influential contributions to the field of mathematics. The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters presents the Abel Prize upon a recommendation from the Abel Committee.
Monetary Award and Influence of the Abel Prize
The Abel Prize carries a substantial cash award of 6 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $703,000) and has been awarded annually since 2003. Beyond recognizing accomplished mathematicians, the Abel Prize also holds significance in elevating the stature of mathematics in society and stimulating interest in mathematics among children and young individuals.
| Abel Prize Facts |
|---|
| Inaugurated in 2002 |
| Awarded Annually |
| Cash Award of 6 million Norwegian Kroner |
| First woman recipient in 2019 |
Prestigious Awards in Mathematics
In the realm of mathematics, there is no equivalent to the Nobel Prize. For many years, the most prestigious accolades have been the Fields Medals, which are bestowed in small groups every four years to exceptional mathematicians under the age of 40. To date, Maryam Mirzakhani, in 2014, is the only woman to receive a Fields Medal.
Offered every four years during the Congress of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), the Abel Prize is considered alongside the Fields Medal as one of the most prestigious awards within the mathematical world. The historical significance of Karen Uhlenbeck’s achievement as the first female recipient of the Abel Prize underscores the continuous advancements and contributions of women in the mathematical sciences.
