Chapter 246 Wolf Prize in Mathematics [Subscription Request]

"This is great news. I didn't expect the Clay Mathematics Institute to be so efficient this time. They have no intention of delaying the bonus."

"It is equivalent to completely recognizing that the Hodge conjecture has been proven, and our Journal of Mathematics has become a top journal."

In the office of Qinghua School of Mathematics, Ma Zhiming sat on the sofa and talked to Xu Yuan with a beaming expression.

There was no attempt to hide the excitement on his face.

Tang Shihong, who was sitting next to him, also had a bright smile on his face, although he didn't say anything.

The announcement from the Clay Mathematics Institute has already reached us. We know that after just a few months of demonstration, the Clay Mathematics Institute will award a million-dollar prize.

It is well known that getting the Clay Mathematics Institute to award a prize often requires a long period of justification.

Make sure the Millennium Prize puzzle is really proven once and for all.

This was the case with the previous Poincare conjecture.

Despite the Hodge conjecture, the Clay Mathematics Institute still left several months.

Let mathematicians around the world discuss the proof process of the Hodge conjecture.

But compared with the Poincare conjecture, this time is already very short, which is equivalent to proving again the authenticity of the solution to the Hodge conjecture.

As a result, the impact factor of the Journal of Mathematics Sinica has further increased, firmly occupying its position as the top journal in the field of mathematics.

And if nothing unexpected happens, this authority will be difficult to lose again.

As for the demonstration period of these few months, you don't have to worry about it at all. I believe that no mathematician can disprove it.

To be honest, Xu Yuan was also surprised when he heard the news.

Although he was confident about his proof, it was still somewhat surprising that the Clay Mathematics Institute recognized it so quickly.

But this is also a good thing. At least I can get the generous bonus sooner.

“The quality of papers accepted by Acta Mathematica Sinica has improved a lot in recent years. All it needs is an opportunity to become a top journal in the field of mathematics.”

"It's all thanks to you that the Journal of Mathematics is what it is today." Ma Zhiming disagreed with Xu Yuan's opinion, shook his head and added solemnly.

As soon as he finished speaking, he continued, "In addition, you should also be the deputy editor-in-chief of the Journal of Mathematics."

Ma Zhiming is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Mathematics. When he first took over, the influence of the Journal of Mathematics was limited to the domestic market. The quality of its papers was not recognized by universities and there was a huge gap compared with international journals.

Since Xu Yuan became the editorial board member of the journal, the influence of the Journal of Mathematics has expanded overseas.

Today, it has become one of the top journals in the field of mathematics.

It's normal to be an associate editor.

And after he retires in two years, I will officially take over as editor-in-chief.

In response to Ma Zhiming's proposal, Xu Yuan did not agree directly, but instead raised a question.

“Isn’t what the deputy editor said inappropriate?”

The editorial board of the Journal of Mathematics is composed of two members, the chief editor and the vice editor-in-chief, who are both academicians.

The editorial board includes senior professors.

After all, Xu Yuan is still only a second-level full professor.

When Ma Zhiming heard Xu Yuan's words, he naturally understood what Xu Yuan was worried about.

The smile on his face suddenly became wider, and he immediately explained: "If you are just worried about the professional title, then I can tell you responsibly that it won't be long before others will call you Academician Xu." He was happy for Xu Yuan from the bottom of his heart.

"My student can break the record for the youngest age of academicians in China. It will be a good story when others tell about it." At this time, Tang Shihong next to him also interrupted.

After listening to what the two said, Xu Yuan thought about it and realized that it was indeed true.

After all, he has too many acquaintances in both the Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Engineering.

But I still feel excited when I think that I will soon be able to realize my original dream.

He paused for a moment, and waited until his emotions had calmed down before he continued speaking.

"I agree to serve as deputy editor."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ma Zhiming shouted excitedly: "Great, I feel completely relieved to have you in charge of the Journal of Mathematics."

The reason why the Journal of Mathematics Sinica was able to become one of the top journals in the field of mathematics is mainly because Xu Yuan proved the Hodge conjecture.

As the popularity of the Hodge conjecture fades, to be honest, he is not 100% sure whether the Acta Mathematica Sinica can maintain its current momentum.

However, as long as the Journal of Mathematics is in Xu Yuan's hands, it will sooner or later reach the top.

And don't even consider the possibility of a decline in influence.

Although Xu Yuan was not sure what Ma Zhiming was thinking, he certainly hoped that the Acta Mathematica Sinica could become the pride of the domestic mathematics community.

We finally had an impact factor that surpassed that of Annals of Mathematics, so how could we allow it to drop again?

So there was almost no delay before he organized his words and continued.

"Regarding the future development of the Chinese Journal of Mathematics and the domestic mathematics community, I have some ideas that I would like to discuss with Academician Ma."

"Tell me quickly." Ma Zhiming said impatiently after hearing this.

He appointed Xu Yuan as deputy editor-in-chief because he hoped that Xu Yuan would pay more attention to the Journal of Mathematics.

Now that I heard that Xu Yuan had suggestions for the Journal of Mathematics, I was naturally overjoyed.

Desperate to hear.

Xu Yuan did not keep anyone in suspense and immediately explained it in detail.

"We still lack an authoritative mathematics award, which is also the gap between us and the overseas mathematics community."

“Therefore, I propose to establish a new international mathematics award in the name of the Journal of Mathematics. This will not only further enhance our authority, but also ensure the future value of the Journal of Mathematics.”

"In addition, in order to support domestic mathematicians, we can require that there must be a Chinese among the winners of each award."

"I wonder what you think, Academician Ma?"

Ma Zhiming listened to everything Xu Yuan said and then fell into deep thought.

It seems to be weighing the pros and cons of the proposal.

About half a minute later, Ma Zhiming opened his eyes, his expression full of excitement and joy.

"This is a very good offer."

"you're right."

"We should indeed have an authoritative mathematics award. I will study and discuss this matter as soon as possible and come up with a detailed equation to implement it as soon as possible."

He spoke with great excitement, apparently very satisfied with Xu Yuan's proposal.

Seeing that his proposal was adopted, Xu Yuan also breathed a sigh of relief.

In fact, he had the idea of ​​establishing his own mathematics award a long time ago.

After all, when it comes to the field of mathematics, all we can think of are overseas awards, among which the Fields Medal is the most famous.

In this way, even if the domestic mathematics community rises, it will not appear so perfect because of this point.

If there were an award in China that could rival the Fields Medal, it would be considered a true authority in mathematics.

Of course, there is still a long way to go from the establishment of the award to being on par with Fields.

But as he said, at least the international impact factor of the Journal of Mathematics can be guaranteed in the early stage.

Completely confirming its status as a top mathematics journal.

The others talked about the mathematics award for a while, and then did not stay in Xu Yuan's office for long.

However, before Tang Shihong left, he specifically mentioned the awarding of prizes by the school and the Mathematics Council, saying that they would be distributed together with the million-dollar prize from the Clay Mathematics Institute.

The main thing is that the Clay Mathematics Institute has already stated that it will come to Yenching in person to present the award to Xu Yuan.

To show our respect for those who have proved the world's most difficult mathematical problems.

In this way, no matter where in Yanjing, an award ceremony must be held.

It's a good opportunity to present the awards at the same time as the ceremony.

……

In the following months, the mathematical community did not give up research and proof of the Hodge conjecture.

But without exception, no loopholes could be found.

There are absolutely no errors.

As a certain mathematician commented, the entire proof process is simply a carefully crafted work of art.

Under such circumstances, it has become a foregone conclusion that the Clay Mathematics Institute will award the prize on time.

at the same time.

The Wolf Prize, which is the highest honor in mathematics along with the Fields Medal, is currently being held at the Wolf Foundation, the organization responsible for it, for the final meeting discussions for this year's winners.

The Wolf Prize in Mathematics is one of the Wolf Prizes, in addition to medicine, chemistry, physics, agronomy, and the newly added art award.

Although the prize money the winners receive is not much, the Wolf Prize in Mathematics is as famous as the Fields Medal.

Because there is no age limit and the selection is held every year.

For mathematicians who are unable to win the Fields Medal due to their age, winning the Wolf Prize in Mathematics is a consolation.

And since the awards will be announced in January, they need to finalize the list early.

"Is it true that only the winner of the mathematics award has not been determined yet? Can anyone tell me what is going on?"

In the conference room, Nicholson, the head of the Wolf Foundation, opened the list of winners submitted, frowned slightly at the still vacant mathematics award, and immediately asked.

The relevant personnel sitting on both sides of the rectangular conference table seemed to be a little silent after hearing the sound.

This atmosphere lasted for several seconds before someone responded.

"Originally, the winner of this year's mathematics award had already been decided, but Xu Yuan, a talented mathematician from China, suddenly proved the Hodge conjecture and was recognized by the International Institute for Mathematical Modeling and the Clay Mathematics Institute, so the final winner of the award has not been decided yet."

For them, the list of winners was basically determined very early on.

They are all powerful and famous scholars in the academic world.

But who would have thought that Xu Yuan directly proved the Hodge conjecture? In this case, if he was not awarded the prize, it would seem that the award had little value.

If Xu Yuan only published the proof process and the paper, then the two-year postponement would be understandable.

But the Clay Mathematics Institute has already stated that it will soon award Xu Yuan a million-dollar prize. If they do not give the Wolf Prize in Mathematics to Xu Yuan.

It will definitely be questioned by the mathematical community.

Maybe the gold content will drop significantly.

If it could be on par with the Fields Medal in the past, it will surely be far behind in the future.

Nicholson naturally also knew the hottest topic in the mathematics world recently.

In this situation, they seemed to have no other choice but to present the award to Xu Yuan.

The thought stayed here, and he did not hesitate too much, and immediately stated his decision.

"The news that the Hodge conjecture has been proven has been recognized by many authoritative institutions in the mathematics community." "Then this year's Wolf Prize in Mathematics should be awarded to him."

Originally, the matter should have been resolved at this point, but as soon as Nicholson finished speaking, other voices were heard in the conference room.

"Xu Yuan's mathematical achievements no longer need to be justified by any award."

"On the contrary, we need to give the award to the other party to increase its value."

"The Clay Mathematics Institute will soon go to Yanjing to present the award. I'm afraid the other party won't come to receive the award at this time."

Seeing that he was interrupted and that what was said was not at all in consideration of the Wolf Prize, Nicholson did not speak immediately, but from his frowning brows he was obviously unhappy.

But just as I was about to refute something, after careful thought I found that it was actually true.

You should know that at the International Congress of Mathematicians, Xu Yuan did not even participate in the Fields Medal.

Just ask someone to pick it up for you.

If the list of winners were announced at this time, I'm afraid Xu Yuan would give up coming to receive the award.

After all, the temptation of a million-dollar prize is much greater than a medal.

Nicholson had no choice but to adjust his mentality and try to calm himself down as much as possible.

Now he finally knew why the award had not been confirmed.

It also needs to be brought to the meeting for discussion.

But now that the issue has been brought up, we must find a way to resolve it.

Besides, we can’t omit this year’s Wolf Prize in Mathematics.

This will only lead to more criticism from the mathematics community.

With his mind working quickly, he did not give a direct answer, but threw the question to others.

"Do you have any good suggestions on this matter?"

When he said this, his eyes deliberately stayed on the person who had just spoken, and the meaning was self-evident.

Since the other party can point out the key to the problem, he must have already considered how to deal with it.

So after meeting Nicholson's gaze, he expressed his opinion without any hesitation.

“I think we should send people to Yenching to present the Wolf Prize in Mathematics, just like the Clay Mathematics Institute did.”

Just as these words were spoken, there were voices of objection from others in the meeting room.

"This approach is inappropriate. There has never been a precedent for this since the Wolf Prize was established."

"Just announce the list of winners normally. If the other party voluntarily gives up, it has nothing to do with us."

"At most, he can be allowed to accept it on behalf of others, like the Fields Medal."

"The other party has proved that Hodge's conjecture is true, but it should not be to the extent that we can do this."

The person who first made this suggestion did not respond, but just looked at Nicholson sitting in the middle, waiting for his final decision.

Nicholson listened to everyone's words and after thinking for a moment, his expression became firm.

"Xu Yuan is a very talented mathematical genius. He has proved the Goldbach conjecture and the Hodge conjecture at such a young age. I believe he may be able to prove other difficult mathematical problems in the world in the future."

"We awarded him the Wolf Prize in Mathematics to prove that it is the highest honor in mathematics."

"Director Rand will be in charge of the award ceremony this time."

After deciding on this matter, perhaps one does not want others to refute it.

Nicholson then declared the meeting adjourned.

As for Rant, the foundation director who first proposed to award Xu Yuan, he gladly accepted the task.

Although he is not qualified to be called a mathematician, he is full of love for mathematics.

That's why I joined the Wolf Foundation and am responsible for matters related to the Wolf Prize in Mathematics.

Although Xu Yuan is very young, his achievements in mathematics have surpassed any mathematician in today's mathematics community.

It's enough to be called a miracle.

He himself admired Xu Yuan very much and was grateful to see such a great mathematician in his time.

Under such circumstances, having the opportunity to present the award to Xu Yuan personally was something he had been longing for.

At this time, although some other directors in the meeting room were still dissatisfied with Nicholson's decision, since it had been confirmed, they would definitely not say anything more.

-

Xu Yuan didn't know that after the Fields Medal, the Wolf Prize in Mathematics, also the highest honor in mathematics, was also beckoning to him.

During the months of the thesis review period, he did not continue to study mathematics.

Most of the time, he helps Zhu Xuejun's hypersonic missile team to perform missile trajectory calculations.

With the help of the special shape he designed for this new hypersonic missile.

I wish Xuejun's team a very smooth research and development, coupled with the experience accumulated through accurate orbit calculations.

The test launch is not far away.

Zhu Xuejun's laboratory was also very excited about this.

In fact, when the decision was made to develop hypersonic missiles and turn Qian's ballistic theory into reality, no one had any idea except Zhu Xuejun.

I don’t know what the final outcome will be.

But with Xu Yuan's help, the progress became very fast and the imagined difficulties did not occur.

This greatly increases everyone's confidence, thus creating a positive feedback effect.

It can be said that if Xu Yuan did not have his appearance plan and calculations, the research and development cycle of hypersonic missiles would be much longer.

It doesn’t take long for this new type of hypersonic missile to be successfully tested.

The whole world will know that Qian's ballistic theory, which was criticized by many experts as impossible to achieve, can become a reality.

And it will also produce a strong enough deterrent effect.

Make all the missile defense systems in the world become decorations.

As for the Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute, after the successful test flight of the stealth unmanned bomber.

The focus of the institute has become how to further improve performance and improve and compensate for the shortcomings of drones.

You must know that although drones have superior performance, they need to avoid enemy interference in actual combat.

Therefore, there is no upper limit in terms of anti-interference performance.

Technology needs to be continuously upgraded so that drones are no longer afraid of any form of interference.

When that time comes, the direction of the battle will be controlled by drones.

Friday, November 2014, 12.

Xu Yuan had just arrived at the office of the School of Mathematics from home in the morning. Before he had even sat down in his chair, he saw Ma Zhiming and Tang Shihong coming over. The two of them moved in sync, as if they had made an appointment in advance.

And they all had smiles on their faces, and it seemed that they were obviously happy.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan had no choice but to ask them to sit down.

Ma Zhiming and Tang Shihong are both regular customers and they are not shy about being with Xu Yuan.

As soon as he sat down on the sofa, Tang Shihong spoke first with a smile.

"I had some happy news today and was anxious to tell Xu Yuan, but I didn't expect to run into Academician Ma."

"Actually, I also have something happy to tell you." Ma Zhiming continued with a bright smile on his face.

Xu Yuan listened to what the two said and immediately became interested. He didn't expect that today would be a double blessing.

So everyone's expectant eyes immediately rested on the two of them, waiting for what would happen next.

"Then let Academician Ma speak first," Tang Shihong suggested.

Ma Zhiming had no objection to this: "Then I'll go first."

As soon as he finished speaking, he directly stated his purpose and did not waste time on this matter.

"It's like this. You have been nominated by the Academy of Sciences. Normally, the official list will be announced in November next year."

"You are definitely a member of the Academy of Sciences this time."

Especially when talking about this incident, he could be said to be beaming with joy, even more excited than when he was selected as an academician.

Tang Shihong, who was standing next to him, was also happy for Xu Yuan when he heard the news.

"He was elected as a member of the Academy of Sciences at the age of 30. I'm afraid it will be difficult for anyone to break this record in the future."

A smile appeared on Xu Yuan's face at this time, knowing that since Ma Zhiming took the initiative to talk about this matter, his selection as an academician of the Academy of Sciences should be a foregone conclusion.

You should know that the list of new academicians will be confirmed by the Academy’s presidium through secret ballot.

Not to mention his achievements in mathematics, he has quite a few acquaintances in the Academy of Sciences.

Then Tang Shihong no longer hesitated and immediately talked about the happy event he mentioned.

"The institute has received confirmation from the Wolf Foundation that you have won this year's Wolf Prize in Mathematics, and they said they would send someone to Yenching to present you with this honor."

"The institute is planning to hold another grand exchange conference in the name of Hodge's conjecture, and will award bonuses and medals at the conference."

Xu Yuan was not surprised that he won the Wolf Prize in Mathematics. After all, he won the Fields Medal just based on the Goldbach conjecture.

However, he was indeed a little surprised that the other party was going to come to Yanjing to present the award.

But on the other hand, the other party did have foresight, otherwise it would have been impossible for him to travel a long distance to receive the award.

But before he could open his mouth, Ma Zhiming's familiar voice suddenly rang in his ears.

“That’s a good suggestion.”

"Xu Yuan's proof of the Hodge conjecture should indeed be accompanied by a lecture for mathematicians around the world."

In fact, this matter has been under consideration for a long time, but the International Congress of Mathematicians has just ended, and it seems inappropriate to hold another one.

Now that I have won the Wolf Prize in Mathematics in addition to the award from the Clay Mathematics Institute, I really need a bigger show in the field of mathematics.

Thinking of this, Xu Yuan nodded and said, "No problem here. I can make a report on the Hodge conjecture at any time."

"Then let's discuss it in detail and try to finalize the time and coordinate with other aspects within the next two days." Ma Zhiming took over Xu Yuan's words and immediately made the decision.

At this point, just when Xu Yuan thought that today was a double happiness, Ma Zhiming revealed another thing.

It turned out that the last time he proposed to establish his own mathematics award, the Academy of Sciences' Department of Science attached great importance to it.

A preliminary charter is already in place.

It was decided to name the award after Xu Yuan and to select the winners among the papers in the Journal of Mathematics every year.

In addition to the generous prize money, at least one of the three winners is a Chinese. After all, this award is not only for maintaining the influence of the Journal of Mathematics, but also for cultivating outstanding mathematicians in the country.

……

(End of this chapter)