Geoffrey Grimmett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey Grimmett
FRS OLY
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Geoffrey Richard Grimmett
20 December 1950 Birmingham, England, UK
|
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Merton College, Oxford (BA, DPhil) |
| Spouse(s) |
Rosine Bonay
(m. 1986) |
| Children | Hugo Grimmett |
| Awards |
|
| Scientific career | |
| Fields |
|
| Institutions | |
| Thesis | Random Fields and Random Graphs (1974) |
| Doctoral advisor |
|
Geoffrey Richard Grimmett (born 20 December 1950) is a British mathematician. He is famous for his work on how random things behave in mathematics. This includes topics like probability theory, which is about how likely events are, and statistical mechanics, which looks at how large groups of tiny particles act.
He is especially known for his studies on percolation theory and the contact process. Professor Grimmett was a top professor at the University of Cambridge. He also served as the leader, called the Master, of Downing College, Cambridge, from 2013 to 2018.
Contents
Education and Early Career
Studying Mathematics
Geoffrey Grimmett went to King Edward's School, Birmingham when he was younger. Later, he studied at Merton College, Oxford, a famous university in England. He earned his first degree in 1971.
He continued his studies and completed his PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in 1974. His research was guided by two professors, John Hammersley and Dominic Welsh.
First Jobs in Research
After finishing his PhD, Grimmett worked as a research fellow at New College, Oxford. This was from 1974 to 1976. After that, he moved to the University of Bristol to continue his work.
Work at Cambridge University
Becoming a Professor
In 1992, Geoffrey Grimmett became a Professor of Mathematical Statistics at the University of Cambridge. He also became a fellow at Churchill College, Cambridge. This meant he was part of the college community.
Leading Departments
Professor Grimmett took on several important leadership roles at Cambridge. From 1994 to 2000, he was the Director of the Statistical Laboratory. This is a place where mathematicians study statistics.
Later, from 2002 to 2007, he was the Head of the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. He also helps manage the Rollo Davidson Prize, an award for young mathematicians.
Research on Random Systems
Professor Grimmett is well-known for his deep understanding of "disordered physical systems." These are systems where things happen randomly. His work on percolation theory is very important. This theory helps us understand how things spread through a network, like water through coffee grounds.
He also studied the contact model, which looks at how things like diseases spread. His book on percolation is a key text for students and researchers in probability. He has also contributed to other areas of mathematics, like combinatorics (the study of arrangements) and number theory (the study of numbers).
Leading Downing College
In October 2013, Professor Grimmett was chosen to be the Master of Downing College, Cambridge. He led the college until September 30, 2018. After him, Alan Bookbinder took over the role.
Recent Roles
In September 2020, he became the Chair of the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research. This is a center for advanced mathematical research. He held this position until September 1, 2023, when Catherine Hobbs became the new Chair.
Awards and Personal Life
Recognitions and Honours
Geoffrey Grimmett has received several awards for his mathematical work. In 1989, he was given the Rollo Davidson Prize. In 2014, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honour for scientists in the United Kingdom.
Family and Hobbies
Geoffrey Grimmett is the son of Benjamin J Grimmett and Patricia W Grimmett. He has a son named Hugo Grimmett. He married Rosine Bonay in 1986.
Interestingly, Professor Grimmett is also an athlete. He competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He was part of the Great Britain Men's Foil Team in fencing, where his team finished in 6th place.
