The 2020 Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians, which has been awarded every year since 2005, was recently granted to Dr. Carolina Araujo. A representative from the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), seated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she was recognized for her exceptional work in algebraic geometry. Her research is primarily focused on birational geometry, with the goal of classifying and understanding the structure of algebraic varieties.
The Ramanujan Prize: A Brief History
The Ramanujan Prize, aimed at young mathematicians from developing countries, was originally established by three organizations: The International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund, and the International Mathematical Union (IMU). However, the Abel Fund stopped participating in 2012.
The ICTP, founded by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam in 1964, strives to fulfill its mandate by providing continuous education and skills to scientists from developing countries. This equips them for long-lasting and productive careers.
Meanwhile, the IMU is a non-governmental and non-profit scientific organization. Its main objective is to foster international cooperation within the field of mathematics. It’s also a member of the International Science Council (ISC), an entity established in 2018. ISC, having offices in Paris, France, amalgamates natural and social sciences and is the largest global organization of its type. India is one of the member countries of the ISC. The IMU Secretariat operates out of Berlin, Germany.
Indian Government’s Role in The Ramanujan Prize
Starting with the awards in 2014, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India has agreed to fund the Prize. This support is a tribute to Srinivasa Ramanujan, a largely self-taught mathematical genius who made significant contributions to elliptic functions, continued fractions, infinite series, and the analytical theory of numbers. Commemorating his memory, 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day in India.
Eligibility Criteria for The Ramanujan Prize
The prestigious prize is awarded to an under-45 researcher hailing from a developing country and who has made a significant contribution to mathematics research in the same. Researchers working in any branch of mathematical sciences are considered eligible. The Prize carries a cash reward of USD 15,000.
In a time where science and technology are advancing rapidly, recognizing and encouraging exceptional talent in mathematics, especially from developing countries, is crucial. The Ramanujan Prize does exactly that, honoring researchers who excel in their respective fields of mathematical sciences, giving them the excitement and encouragement they need to continue contributing to the field. Dr. Carolina Araujo is one such luminary who promises to make the world of algebraic geometry and beyond shine brighter.
