ABEL PRIZE - AWARDS

News: Abel Prize Awarded for Studies of Universe’s Randomness

 

What's in the news?

       A French mathematician is the recipient of this year’s Abel Prize, the math equivalent of the Nobel, for advances in understanding randomness in the universe — the heights of ocean waves crashing on a beach, the weights of babies, the ups and downs of the stock market — work that has found use in mathematical physics and statistics.

 

Key takeaways:

       The winner of the Abel Prize for 2024 is Michel Talagrand.

       He is a French mathematician who was awarded the prize for his groundbreaking contributions to probability theory and functional analysis, with outstanding applications in mathematical physics and statistics.

 

Abel Prize:

       It is an annual award honouring outstanding mathematicians.

       Often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics".

 

Key Features:

1. Recognition:

       Awarded by the King of Norway, it acknowledges exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics.

       The Abel Prize is given by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, on behalf of the Ministry of Education of the Norwegian Parliament.

 

2. Establishment:

       Created in 2002, it commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel.

 

3. Monetary Award:

       It carries a significant monetary prize of 7.5 million Norwegian kroner (roughly equivalent to $1 million USD).

 

4. Selection Process:

       A committee of distinguished mathematicians selects the winner after a rigorous nomination process.