Fields Medal Winner Prof. Efim Zelmanov Delivers Speech at PKU

Peking University, Beijing, June 12, 2009: This morning, Fields Medal winner Prof. Efim Zelmanov delivered a speech "Asymptotic Properties of Finite Groups and Their Applications" in the Yingjie Overseas Exchange center. This activity was organized by Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research and School of Mathematical Sciences of PKU, hosted by Zhang Jiping, former dean of School of Mathematical Sciences and Deputy Director of Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research. Officials from Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research, teachers and students from Peking University attended the lecture.

Prof. Efim Zelmanov

Prof. Zhang Jiping

As one of his greatest achievements, Prof. Efim Zelmanov solved the long-standing issue that troubled group theorists and algebraists - the restricted Burnside problem. Using tools from Lie algebra, Prof. Zelmanov proved that among the quotient groups of the Burnside groups, there must be one with the largest order, whose upper bound was also given in the proof. The solution of restricted Burnside problem was the main reason for awarding him the Fields Medal.

Prof. Zelmanov focused his speech on the latest development of the asymptotic theory of finite groups and its application in other fields. He started with briefly introducing the work of his predecessors. Then he further explained the asymptotic theory of finite groups developed from the novel ideas based on which he solved the restricted Burnside problem, subgroup growth theory, and -property theory. These topics have been heatedly discussed in the international mathematical researches and their applications have influenced number theory, topology , and geometry extensively and profoundly.

Prof. Zelmanov is teaching at the University of California in the US. He has been a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the United States Academy of Sciences. As part of his cooperation with Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research and School of Mathematical Sciences of PKU, Prof.Zelmanov and Prof. Zhang Jiping , a renowned group theorists at PKU, have organized many academic conferences and have been jointly promoting the development of group theory. Prof.Zelmanov is currently visiting PKU and giving lectures.

On the evening of June 11th, Prof. Zhou Qifeng, President of Peking University, met Prof. Efim Zelmanov, Academician Tian Gang from Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research , Academician Wen Lan, Director of the Academic Committee of School of Mathematical Sciences of PKU, Prof. Zhang Jiping and Prof. Zhang Pingwen.

The Fields Medal is a prize awarded to two, three, or four mathematicians not over 40 years of age at each International Congress of the International Mathematical Union, a meeting that takes place every four years. The Fields Medal is often viewed as the top honor a mathematician can receive.

Founded at the behest of Canadian mathematician John Charles Fields, the medal was first awarded in 1936, to Finnish mathematician Lars Ahlfors and American mathematician Jesse Douglas, and has been regularly awarded since 1950. Its purpose is to give recognition and support to younger mathematical researchers who have made major contributions.

Translated & Edited By: Seren

Source: PKU News (Chinese)