Jean-Pierre Serre

From the Abel Prize:

"Serre developed revolutionary algebraic methods for studying topology, and in particular studied the transformations between spheres of higher dimensions. He is responsible for a spectacular clarification of the work of the Italian algebraic geometers by introducing and developing the right algebraic machinery for determining when their geometric construction worked…Serre´s magnificent work…extends in many ways the mathematical ideas introduced by Abel, in particular his proof of the impossibility of solving the 5th degree equation by radicals, and his analytic techniques for the study of polynomial equations in two variables. Serre´s research has been vital in setting the stage for many of the most celebrated recent breakthroughs, including the proof by Wiles of Fermat´s Last Theorem."

Abel Prize Laureate, 2003

Fields Medalist, 1954