Past Member Masaki Kashiwara (柏原 正樹) Awarded 2025 Abel Prize
Masaki Kashiwara, Member (1977–78) in the School of Mathematics, has been awarded the 2025 Abel Prize for his “fundamental contributions to algebraic analysis and representation theory, in particular the development of the theory of D-modules and the discovery of crystal bases.”
The Abel Prize citation praises Kashiwara’s “groundbreaking” contributions to algebraic analysis, a field initiated by the work of Mikio Sato, Member (1960–62) in the School of Mathematics. Algebraic analysis systematically studies linear partial differential equations (PDEs) by algebraic means. Kashiwara’s work in this field led to “surprising connections and spectacular results in representation theory.” In particular, his work on D-modules, namely “an algebraic language for studying systems” of linear PDEs “demonstrated early on the power of algebraic methods in tackling problems of an analytic nature.”
Kashiwara was also praised for his work on a vastly generalized Riemann–Hilbert correspondence: “i.e., the equivalence between regular holonomic D-modules and perverse sheaves.” A different variation of this problem, namely Hilbert’s 21st problem, was extended and solved in higher dimensions by Pierre Deligne, Professor Emeritus in the School of Mathematics.
Kashiwara is now officially retired; however, “his work continues to be at the forefront of contemporary mathematics and to inspire generations of researchers.” He holds the role of honorary professor at the Kyoto University Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences (RIMS). Previously, he has also held tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Nagoya University, and has been honored with numerous other awards for his significant contributions to mathematics.
The Abel Prize, named for Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel, recognizes lifetime achievement in mathematics. It is often described as the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
Since its inception in 2001, IAS affiliated scholars have made up 24 of the 28 Abel Laureates. This includes Luis Caffarelli, Faculty (1986–96) and Member (2009) in the School of Mathematics, who was awarded the Abel Prize in 2023. Other notable IAS recipients include Avi Wigderson, Herbert H. Maass Professor in the School of Mathematics, and László Lovász, Visiting Professor (2011–12) in the School, who jointly received the award in 2021. Professors Emeriti Robert Langlands and Pierre Deligne received the award in 2018 and 2013, respectively. Distinguished Visiting Professor Karen Uhlenbeck, frequent Member and Visitor (2007–11) Andrew Wiles, and frequent Member John Nash are also Abel laureates.
Read more about the award on the Abel Prize website.
