French-Russian mathematician Gromov wins Abel prize

"Mikhail Gromov is always in pursuit of new questions and is constantly thinking of new ideas for solutions to old problems," the Abel Committee said in a statement.

Gromov, of the Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies (IHES) near Paris, "has produced deep and original work throughout his career and remains remarkably creative," it said.

"The work of Gromov will continue to be a source of inspiration for many future mathematical discoveries," the committee added.

Gromov is the third French mathematician to win the prestigious award since it was created six years ago, following in the footsteps of Jean-Pierre Serre, who won in 2003, and Jacques Tits, who was jointly awarded the prize with John Griggs Thompson last year.

Born on December 1943 in Boksitogorsk in the Soviet Union, Gromov became a French citizen in 1992.

He studied mathematics at the Leningrad (St Petersburg) University, where he also taught before emigrating to the United States in 1974, becoming a professor at New York University.

In 1981, he joined the staff at the Paris VI University and a year later he moved over to IHES.

Gromov, who has won numerous international prizes, will receive his Abel Prize and the six million kroner (684,000 euro, 929,000 dollar) prize money from Norway's King Harald at an official ceremony on May 19.

(c) 2009 AFP