Fokko du Cloux facts for kids

Fokko du Cloux (born December 20, 1954, in Rheden, Netherlands – died November 10, 2006) was a smart mathematician and computer scientist from the Netherlands. He worked on a very important math project called the Atlas of Lie groups and representations until he passed away.

Who Was Fokko du Cloux?

Fokko du Cloux was a brilliant Dutch scientist. He was based at a university in France, called the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. He was one of the first people to join the Atlas project.

A Special Software Project

Fokko du Cloux was in charge of building the special computer program for the Atlas project. This software was super important. It helped map out the structure of something called the E₈ Lie group. Think of it like creating a detailed map for a very complex mathematical shape.

Mapping Complex Math

The E₈ Lie group is a very complicated idea in advanced mathematics. It's like a giant, symmetrical object with many hidden patterns. Fokko du Cloux's software helped scientists understand and "map" these patterns. This was a huge achievement in the world of math.

Working Through Challenges

In 2005, Fokko du Cloux was diagnosed with a serious illness called Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disease affects the nerves and muscles. Even though he was very sick, he kept working hard on the Atlas project. He stayed an active part of the team until he passed away in 2006.

His Legacy Lives On

The Atlas project was successfully finished in 2007. This was just a few months after Fokko du Cloux's death. His hard work and dedication were a big reason for the project's success. His contributions helped scientists around the world understand complex math better.