Frances Kirwan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Kirwan
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Kirwan in 2009
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| Born | 21 August 1959 UK
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Cambridge University of Oxford |
| Awards | Whitehead Prize (1989) Senior Whitehead Prize (2013) Suffrage Science award (2016) Sylvester Medal of The Royal Society(2021) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Institutions | University of Oxford |
| Thesis | The Cohomology of Quotients in Symplectic and Algebraic Geometry |
| Doctoral advisor | Michael Atiyah |
Dame Frances Clare Kirwan is a famous British mathematician. She was born on August 21, 1959. She is currently the Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford. This is a very important job in the world of mathematics. Her main areas of study are algebraic and symplectic geometry. These are branches of math that deal with shapes and spaces using algebra.
Contents
Becoming a Mathematician
Frances Kirwan went to Oxford High School when she was younger. She then studied maths at Clare College at the University of Cambridge. After that, she continued her studies at the University of Oxford.
Advanced Studies
In 1984, she earned her D.Phil. This is a very high-level degree, like a PhD. Her research was about how different mathematical shapes and spaces relate to each other. Her supervisor, who guided her research, was the famous mathematician Michael Atiyah.
Exploring Math and Shapes
Frances Kirwan's research helps us understand the structure of geometric objects. She looks at their algebraic and topological properties. This means she uses numbers and shapes to figure out how things are built in mathematics. She also created something called the Kirwan map, which is an important tool in her field.
Early Career and Fellowships
From 1983 to 1985, Frances worked as a junior fellow at Harvard University in the United States. She also held special positions called Fellowships at Magdalen College, Oxford and Balliol College, Oxford. These fellowships allowed her to continue her research and teaching. Today, she is an honorary fellow at both Clare College and Magdalen College.
Leading in Mathematics
In 1996, Frances Kirwan was given the special title of Professor of Mathematics. This showed how important her work was. From 2004 to 2006, she was the president of the London Mathematical Society. She was one of the youngest presidents ever and only the second woman to hold this position.
In 2005, she received a special grant called an EPSRC Senior Research Fellowship. This helped her continue her research on complex algebraic curves.
First Woman in a Top Role
In 2017, Frances Kirwan made history. She became the Savilian Professor of Geometry, the first woman ever to hold this very old and respected position. This meant she moved to New College, Oxford. She also helped organize meetings for European Women in Mathematics.
Awards and Recognitions
Frances Kirwan has received many important awards for her work in mathematics. These awards show how much her contributions are valued.
- Whitehead Prize (1989): This was one of her first major awards from the London Mathematical Society.
- Fellow of the Royal Society (2001): Being a Fellow of the Royal Society is a huge honor for scientists in the UK.
- EPSRC Senior Research Fellowship (2005–2010): This fellowship supported her important research.
- Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (2012): This shows her recognition in the United States.
- Senior Whitehead Prize (2013): She received this second Whitehead Prize for her continued excellence.
- Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) (2014): She was given this special title by the Queen for her services to mathematics.
- Suffrage Science award (2016): This award celebrates women in science.
- Sylvester Medal of The Royal Society (2021): This is another very prestigious award from the Royal Society.
- L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards (2023): She was recognized as a laureate for Europe in Mathematics.
Frances Kirwan also served on the committee that chose the winner of the Fields Medal. This is one of the highest honors a mathematician can receive. She helped select Maryam Mirzakhani, who was the first woman to win this medal.
See also
In Spanish: Frances Kirwan para niños
