Contents
Karen Uhlenbeck
Pioneering geometric analysis and becoming the first woman to receive the Abel Prize.
Harmonic maps · Gauge theory
- Born
- 24 August 1942
- Birthplace
- Cleveland, United States
More people
Karen Uhlenbeck
Uhlenbeck developed tools for studying shapes and equations that also appear in mathematical physics. Alongside her research, she helped create programmes supporting women and wider participation in mathematics.
Early life
Early interests
Grew up in Ohio and New Jersey with a strong interest in reading and science.
Graduate training
Studied at Michigan, then earned her doctorate at Brandeis in 1968 under Richard Palais.
Career
- 1971
Illinois appointment
Joined the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign after temporary research positions.
- 1987–1988
Texas chair
Moved to the University of Texas at Austin, first as a visitor and then as a permanent professor.
- 2019
Abel Prize
Became the first woman awarded the prize for mathematical research.
Contributions
Harmonic maps
With Jonathan Sacks, developed influential methods for understanding maps between curved spaces.
Gauge theory
Published foundational work on the mathematical fields used to describe physical forces.
Minimal surfaces
Extended the study of surfaces that minimise area within curved spaces.
Beyond mathematics
Women and Mathematics
Co-founded the Institute for Advanced Study programme supporting women in mathematical research.
Sharing the prize
Donated half of her Abel Prize money to programmes advancing women and underrepresented mathematicians.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗University of St Andrews biography ↗Institutional biography and contributions ↗Academic appointments ↗Photo: "copyright C. J. Mozzochi, Princeton N.J". Attribution · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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