Representatives of the mathematical community,
Distinguished guests!
It is a great pleasure for me to
address the international mathematical community on this
occasion.
The year 2002 is an important
anniversary for the field of mathematics: the bicentennial of the
birth of Niels Henrik Abel. The anniversary has already been duly
celebrated through a number of events in all parts of Norway.
Mathematics has even become part of our everyday lives through a
daily Abel column in one of our major newspapers.
This week’s Conference at the
University of Oslo is of course one of the highlights of the
bicentennial. The Conference presents an overview of the
mathematical heritage of Niels Henrik Abel and identifies new
mathematical trends for the next century.
I am pleased and honoured that so
many representatives of the mathematical community have come to
Oslo to take part in this event. I can think of no better occasion
to present the Niels Henrik Abel Memorial prize in mathematics.
My colleague Mrs Clemet, Minister
of Education and Research, would have wanted to address you today,
but could not since she was called to Parliament. I know she would
have wanted to emphasize her dedication to the advancement of
science, and to the promotion of scientific excellence. She sends
her warm regards to all Abel enthusiasts - and hopes to see you
next year.
The history of the Abel prize
As you may know, the question of
having an award in mathematics similar to the Nobel Prize is a
century-old one. At the centennial jubilee in 1902, Abel had
already reached the position of national symbol and scientific
hero. The celebration committee had two major suggestions: One was
to raise a statue over Abel. The other idea was to establish a
scientific prize in his name. Only the statue was realized. The
chairman of the celebration committee, Mr. Fridtjof Nansen,
deeply regretted that the prize had to be abandoned. One of his
letters ends as follows:
"…unfortunately we have only one Abel; the
opportunity will not come again for 100 years."
Nansen was right. The second part
of the story started in the year 2000. The new Abel biography
(Called too soon by flames afar) brought new life to the idea of
the Abel prize. This time the idea resulted in a letter to the
Ministry of Education and Research, proposing the establishment of
a state fund to finance a scientific prize in the name of Abel.
The proposal was backed by numerous
declarations of support from Norwegian scientists, from the
international mathematical community and from several leading
politicians.
With the establishment of the Niels
Henrik Abel Memorial Fund in January 2002 a long process was
finally brought to a successful end!
The main objectives of the prize
The main object of establishing the
prize is to honour outstanding scientific work in the field of
mathematics. Mathematics has been vital to the development of
civilization. From ancient to modern times it has been fundamental
to advances in science, engineering and philosophy. And the
application of mathematics in other fields of science keeps
expanding.
I therefore believe that there is
every reason to introduce an annual prize in mathematics,
corresponding to the Nobel prizes in other areas.
Another important objective is to
raise the status of mathematics in society. Above all we need to
stimulate the interest of children and young people. The lack of
interest in mathematics and the natural sciences is a problem in
many countries. Considering the importance of mathematics to
virtually all sectors of society, this is a trend we should all try
to reverse. I truly believe the Abel Prize may contribute to this
end.
Finally the prize aims to commemorate Norway’s most eminent
scientist ever. Abel died in 1829, at only 26 years of age. His
short life and tragic death have given birth to a number of myths
around his person. Some have characterised him as the Mozart of
science. Others have even called him "the James Dean of
mathematics".
But there was nothing glamorous
about the life and career of Niels Henrik Abel. He had to rely on
short-term loans and scholarships. And his well-deserved
professorship in Berlin was not announced until right after his
death.
Norway at the time of Abel was a
young nation with a small scientific community. The heritage of
Abel has been of tremendous importance for future generations. Abel
gave our nation scientific traditions and self-confidence. And he
formulated new questions that mathematicians are still addressing
today.
The establishment of the Abel prize
is a way of saying that we are deeply indebted to the work of Niels
Henrik Abel. It is somewhat ironic that Abel died with an
unsettled personal loan in the Central Bank of Norway. Now,
two centuries later, we have established a fund in his name in the
very same bank. (And if Abel's personal loan still has not been
settled, I shall personally see to it that it is !)
The Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund
has an initial capital of 200 million norwegian kroner
(approximately 27 million euro).
The annual return on this capital
shall be used for three main purposes:
- The award to the Abel laureate, similar to the Nobel Prize in
monetary value.
- A ceremony in conjunction with the presentation of the
prize
- and events targeting children and young people
Procedures for the Abel prize
The Abel Prize will be awarded by
the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters on an annual basis,
starting from the year 2003.
The Academy will appoint an Abel
Board which will be responsible for organizing events in
conjunction with the presentation of the prize and for achieving
the other objects of the prize.
In addition the Academy will
appoint an Abel Committee. The Abel Committee will consist of five
outstanding research scientists in the field of mathematics. The
Committee will be responsible for nominating prize candidates and
submitting a recommendation to the Norwegian Academy. Both
Norwegian and non-Norwegian citizens may be members of the
committee.
Concluding remarks
At the beginning of the last
century (in 1900), the mathematician David Hilbert concluded his
famous speech to the International Congress of Mathematicians by
expressing the following wish:
“ May the 20th century bring
mathematics gifted masters and many enthusiastic disciples”.
Today, at the beginning of a new
century, Hilbert's wish deserves to be repeated. The need for
mathematical competence is in fact greater than ever.
Our hope is that the Abel Prize
will be an inspiration to scientists and students in all parts of
the world, and thereby stimulate new gifted masters and
enthusiastic disciples.
I thank you for your attention, and
we look forward to welcoming you back for the first Abel award
ceremony in 2003.
