Who is the first woman to win the "Nobel" in mathematics

American Karen Uhlenbeck became the first woman to win the Abel Award on Tuesday, considered the "Nobel" of mathematics, during the decade and a half of the history of this award.

Uhlenbeck, 76, was rewarded for her "pioneering achievements" on geometric partial differential equations, the theory of gauge and integrable systems "as well as the "fundamental impact" of their work on badysis, geometry and mathematical physics, according to the statement on the Oslo decision.

In addition, his personality may have been decisive in defining his success: "I get tired of things I already understand," said the scientist.

The Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Literature pointed out that Uhlenbeck, attached to the University of Austin (in the United States), was one of the founders of modern geometric badysis and that their perspective has been implanted in mathematics and has led to some of the "most spectacular" advances in this field in the last 40 years.

"His theories have revolutionized our understanding of minimal surfaces, like the one formed by soap bubbles, and the general problems of minimization in the higher dimensions ", explained committee chairman, Hans Munthe-Kaas.

The techniques and methods of global badysis developed by Uhlenbeck are part of "the toolbox of each surveyor and badyst"and his work is also the basis of contemporary geometric models applied to mathematics and physics.

The jury also noted that Uhlenbeck is "a model to emulate and a strong advocate of gender equality in the world of science and mathematics".

Her attachment to feminism may be due to a series of episodes experienced during the early years of her career, when, according to her own account, she was fired from several jobs because "women must be at the helm. house and take care of babies ".

"I run a math mentoring program for women who are two years old and I am aware of the fact that I am a role model for young women in mathematics, and that is why I am here," wrote Uhlenbeck in his book. Women's travel in science and engineering: there are no universal constants, published recently by the University of Texas.

The prize awarded Tuesday to the American scientist had already been awarded to 19 other men. On this subject, In 1988, Uhlenbeck denounced the fact that explicit discrimination was not the only obstacle in his discipline.

"One of the most serious problems for women is getting used to the idea that there is a subtle lack of acceptance towards them and that they must act accordingly, "he warned. "I can not think of a mathematical woman for whom life was easy, heroic efforts tend to be the norm" he explained.

Born in the American city of Cleveland in 1942, Karen Uhlenbeck graduated from the University of Michigan and received a PhD from Brandeisbut it was in Chicago in the 1980s, where he became an international reference.

The mathematics unfolds as they were attributed to the Canadian. Robert P. Langlands, distinguished last year "for its visionary program that links the theories of representation and numbers".

Recognition is accompanied by a reward of NOK 6 million (about US $ 703,000 or € 620,000).

The Abel Award is named after the Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829), and was created by the Parliament of this Scandinavian country in 2002. The jury is composed of five internationally recognized mathematicians.

With information from EFE, AFP, AP