Outstanding mathematician Michelle Talagran, whose formulas made random processes more predictable and helped solve the sign model of complex phenomena, became Laureate of Abeel Prize 2024, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of mathematics.
The Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Literature in Oslo announced a reward on March 20, noting “the contribution of Talagrand to the theory of probabilities and a functional analysis with outstanding applications in mathematical physics and statistics.” Abel Award, inspired by Nobel Prizes and first awarded in 2003, does not include mathematics and amounts to 7.5 million Norwegian crowns ($ 700,000).
Mathematician from Princeton University Assaf Naor emphasized that it is difficult to overestimate the influence of Talagran’s work, noting that his inequalities are used in scientific work almost every day.
Talagrane was shocked, learning about the award: “There was a complete emptiness in my head at least 4 seconds,” he says, admitting in surprise comparable expect with the landing of an alien ship in front of the White House.
Talagran specializes in probability theory and stochastic processes – mathematical models of phenomena controlled by chance. The main achievement of Talagran is inequalities that limit fluctuations in stochastic (random) processes, which makes the general result less variable.
Thanks to Talagran techniques, “much of what seems complex and random seems to be not so accidental,” as Naor noted. For example, Talagran assessments can be extremely useful for solving the problems of optimizing the delivery route.
Talagrane also solved the problem posed by the theoretical physicist Georgio Parisi. The work of Talagran ultimately helped Parisi receive the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2021.
Despite the non-standard path to success, starting with difficulties in school and loss of vision on the right eye in childhood, Talagran found motivation after a difficult surgery on the left eye, which forced him to miss almost a whole academic year. The experience and passion for mathematics led him to victories in national mathematical competitions and an outstanding scientific career.
Talagran loves to set the tasks for other mathematicians, offering cash prizes for their solution, and leads list of tasks on his website. Some