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NSF PS 02-03 - August 20, 2002
Statement by Dr. Rita Colwell
Director, National Science Foundation
On The Recipients of the Fields Medal and Rolf Nevanlinna
Prize in Mathematics
I am pleased to congratulate Vladimir Voevodsky and
Madhu Sudan on receiving the most distinguished prizes
in the mathematical sciences. Their accomplishments
reflect the recognition that mathematics underlies
all fields of science and engineering, enabling progress
in our economy, our industry and our lives. We are
proud that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has
supported the groundbreaking work of these honorees.
The Fields Medal, the world's highest honor for mathematical
research, rivals the Nobels of other sciences. Vladimir
Voevodsky, currently at the Institute for Advanced
Study in Princeton, N.J., shares the 2002 Fields Medal
with Laurent Lafforgue, a colleague in France. Dr.
Voevodsky conducted his prize-winning research in
algebraic geometry and number theory, developing novel
ways to describe the geometric shapes of solutions
to algebraic equations, with support from NSF grants.
Madhu Sudan, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
in Cambridge, is receiving the 2002 Rolf Nevanlinna
Prize, which recognizes outstanding work in the mathematical
aspects of computer science. His work in advancing
the theory of probabilistically checkable proofs--a
way to recast a mathematical proof in computer language
for additional checks on its validity--and developing
error-correcting codes was accomplished with the support
of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award and
individual grants.
People are essential to scientific development, and
NSF has a distinguished record of identifying people
for federal support who go on to receive global honors.
As the only federal agency that funds basic research
in all fields of science and engineering, NSF's investments
ensure a more secure and productive future. In congratulating
these honorees, we reaffirm the contribution of mathematical
scientists to that goal.
For background on the Fields Medal and Nevanlinna Prize
see: www.mathunion.org/medals/index.html
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