国际数学联盟主席Lovász获得2010年度京都奖的基础科学奖
相关内容:获奖人工作介绍
"Outstanding Contributions to Mathematical
Sciences Based on Discrete Optimization Algorithms"
Through his advanced research on discrete structures, Dr. Lovász
has provided a link among various branches of mathematics in terms of
algorithms, thereby influencing a broad spectrum of the mathematical sciences -
including discrete mathematics, combinational optimization and theoretical
computer science. In so doing, Dr. Lovász has made
outstanding contributions to the advancement of both the academic and
technological possibilities of the mathematical sciences.
Inspiration
as a high school student
In
Dr.
Lovász's achievements
Up
until the mid-20th century, neither combinatorial theory nor graph theory was
fully systemized and, with only individual pieces of knowledge and techniques,
such theories were considered something like puzzles rather than conventional
mathematics. Subsequent progress in computer science, however, added to the
importance of such theories, thus triggering the attempt to systemize them. Dr.
Lovász played a central role in this process.
His research achievements are characterized by the fact that, through the
development of standard tools for many different fields, including
combinatorial theory, graph theory, and computer science, he was able to
provide a link among many branches of mathematics. For instance, Dr. Lovász established a bridge between graph theory and the
theory of computation and linear programming by proving the weak perfect graph
conjecture. He also applied semidefinite programming
techniques to coding theory to solve the problem of
Today, a number of young and talented mathematicians who have received Fields
Medals are involved in computer science, thus forming a new current in the
field of mathematical science. This is a good example of how his endeavors to
integrate many different branches of mathematics have born fruit.
Dr.
Lovász's contributions to society
Besides
teaching at the
Mathematics has found indispensable applications in wide-ranging fields. By
taking a mathematical approach to problems in biology, medical science,
sociology, and many other fields, Dr. Lovász has
attempted to create an interdisciplinary bridge. Through such initiatives, his
goal is to make better use of mathematics for the improvement of our lives.
For
more details, see the Achievements.
*1 Paul Erdős: A Hungarian mathematician (1913-1996) who
published some 1,500 papers throughout his lifetime (many of which are
co-authored). Known for his ability to provide clear
explanations to extremely difficult mathematical problems.
*2 Rolf Nevanlinna Prize: A prize awarded to
researchers once every four years at the International Congress of
Mathematicians for outstanding contributions to the mathematical aspects of
computer science. Like the Fields Medal, only those under the age of forty are
eligible.