Infosys Mathematics Prize announced

BANGALORE,INDIA: Infosys Technologies Ltd. and the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) today announced the first-ever winner of the Infosys Mathematics Prize.

Dr. Manindra Agrawal, N. Rama Rao Chair Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur bagged the prize. It was his research in Complexity Theory, which won him the prize money of Rs.10 lakh, said a press release.

The winner was chosen by a jury of eminent academicians chaired by S R Srinivasa Varadhan, Professor at Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Mathematics, New York University.

The Infosys Mathematics Prize is a joint initiative by Infosys Technologies and NIAS that was started earlier this year to encourage and foster an interest in mathematics.

This prize is basically awarded to a nominated candidate who has made outstanding contributions - fundamental or applied - in any field of mathematics including the areas of pure mathematics, mathematical foundations of computer science and applied mathematics in natural, life and social sciences, said the release.

“At Infosys, we firmly believe in strong industry-academia partnership for the advancement of academic research. The Infosys Mathematics Prize recognizes contributions of extraordinary depth and influence to mathematical sciences. Infosys congratulates Dr. Agrawal on being awarded this prize and applauds his work.” said N R Narayana Murthy, chairman and chief mentor, Infosys Technologies Ltd.

He added that this award would reiterate the importance of mathematics across different sciences and encourage students to cultivate an interest in the subject.

“India has established programs in strategic areas like Atomic Energy, Defense, Space, IT and Meteorology. A strong base in mathematics is fundamental to advancement in all of these,” said Dr. K Kasturirangan, Director, NIAS.

“Significantly, mathematics is increasingly finding applications in a number of new areas such as computer science, life sciences, social sciences, economics, etc. apart from traditional areas.”

He commented that the Infosys Mathematics prize is an important step in nurturing and encouraging academic research in areas critical to India’s development as a scientific and economic power.