1982 Fields Medal (1)
Reason for Award
Contributed to thetheory of operator algebras, particularly the general classification and structure theorem of factors of type III, classification of automorphisms of the hyperfinite factor, classification of injective factors, and applications of the theory ofC*-algebrasto foliations and differential geometry in general.
Laureates
Alain Connes,
France
Other works in the same year
- Revolutionized study oftopologyin 2 and 3 dimensions, showing interplay between analysis, topology, and geometry. Contributed idea that a very large class of closed 3-manifolds carry a hyperbolic structure.
- Made contributions indifferential equations, also to theCalabi conjectureinalgebraic geometry, to the positive mass conjecture ofgeneral relativity theory, and to real and complex Monge-Ampère equations.