Brazilian wins the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics"
The Fields Medal, the highest distinction in the discipline, was awarded to Artur Ávila, a researcher at IMPA (Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics), from Rio de Janeiro; "For several years there was an expectation in this direction, and I really felt it as pressure on me, also because of its importance for Brazil, which, somewhat strangely, has never had international awards of this magnitude, like a Nobel Prize. So, it felt a bit heavy. The news of the medal had, for me, an initial effect of relief," he said.
247 - A 35-year-old Brazilian researcher won the highest distinction in mathematics on Tuesday, equivalent to the Nobel Prize in the discipline. Artur Avila, from Rio de Janeiro, will receive the Fields Medal in South Korea.
“Artur Avila has made remarkable contributions to the field of dynamical systems, analysis, and other areas, in many cases proving decisive results that have solved long-standing open problems. Almost all of his work has been done through collaborations with about 30 mathematicians from around the world. To these collaborations, Avila brings formidable technical power, the ingenuity and tenacity of a master problem solver, and a profound sense for deep and meaningful questions. Avila’s achievements are many and span a wide range of topics. With his combination of tremendous analytical power and deep intuition about dynamical systems, Artur Avila will certainly remain a leader in mathematics for many years to come,” wrote the committee of the International Mathematical Union, justifying the award.
The winner said he received the news with some relief."For several years there had been an expectation in this direction, and I really felt it as pressure on me, also because of its importance for Brazil, which, somewhat strangely, has never had international awards of this magnitude, like a Nobel Prize. So, it felt a bit heavy. The news of the medal had, for me, an initial effect of relief."