Mathematical genius and honorary doctor unexpectedly passed away
Vladimir Voevodsky, world-leading mathematician and 2016 appointed honorary doctor at University of Gothenburg, died at 51 at his home in Princeton.
Vladimir had a unique sensibility for foundational issues
Professor Vladimir Voevodsky, Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, was one of the greatest mathematicians of our time, renowned for his ability of changing perspectives and requisites within the field of mathematics. In 2002 he was awarded the Fields medal, the "Nobel prize" in mathematics.
The complexity of mathematical proofs in modern mathematics has in a decisive way increased the risk for errors in the proofs. Voevodsky was during the last years working on a huge project to make it possible to use very advanced computer systems to ensure the correctness of mathematical proofs.
Voevodsky started a collaboration with researchers from University of Gothenburg, who for a very long time had been working with development of the computer programs, so called proof assistants, that he was using. 2016 Voevodsky was appointed honorary doctor at the University.
'Vladimir had a unique sensibility for foundational issues. His premature death is an incredible loss for the field of formalisation of mathematics', says Thierry Coquand, professor in computer science at University of Gothenburg, who collaborated with Voevodsky for several years in the project.
The Dean of the IT Faculty at the University, Jan Smith, agrees:
'The collaboration with Professor Vladimir Voevodsky was scientifically very fruitful and his passing is a big loss for us.'
Read the article about Vladimir Voevodsky in New York Times
Foto: Klaus Tschira Stiftung/ Peter Badge