March 21, 2019
OSLO: Often called in scientific circles as the Nobel prize for mathematics,
the Abel prize has gone for the first time to a woman, US mathematician Karen
Uhlenbeck. She has won the award for research in gauge theory and geometrical
analysis. The award carries 6 million Norwegian kroner ($700,000).
Gauge theory makes a breakthrough in particle physics, relativity and string
theory. It explains much of modern theoretical physics.
Karen Uhlenbeck laid the foundations of research in modern physics, explaining
the fundamental forces of nature.
"Karen Uhlenbeck receives the Abel Prize 2019 for her fundamental work in geometric
analysis and gauge theory, which has dramatically changed the mathematical landscape,"
Abel Committee chairman Hans Munthe-Kaas said in a statement.
"Uhlenbeck has always blazed a trail for women in mathematics. Her plenary
lecture at the 1990’s International Congress of Mathematicians was the first
delivered by a woman since Emmy Noether in 1932," reports New Scientist.
Uhlenbeck 's study on calculus of variations shows how small changes in one
quantity can help find the minimum or maximum value of another. It is illustrated
in an example of soap bubbles, which adjust their shape so that their surface
area is minimised.
In 2007, the American Mathematical Society had awarded her for her seminal
contributions to research.
Uhlenbeck always blamed the scientific community for the inadequate representation
of women in research, especially mathematics.
Instituted in 2003 in 2003 by the Norwegian Academy of Science, Abel Prize
is presented by the king of Norway for contributions made in the field of research
in mathematics, once a year. Game theorist John Nash, a Nobel winner, is among
the Abel awardees.
Norway’s King Harald V will bestow Uhlenbeck with the prize in a ceremony
on May 21.
(SEE also: 'A conversation with the noted mathematical physicist
Nalini Anantharaman')
