Physicists and the Fields Medal

[ExactlySolved]

For those who don't know, the Fields Medal is the most prestigious award in the worldwide mathematical community. Some mathematical physicists like myself see it as even substantially more prestigious than a Nobel prize in physics.

It is often repeated that the string theorist Edward Witten was the first and only physicist to ever win a Fields medal (in 1994). The purpose of this thread is to discuss whether Wendelin Werner, who won the fields medal in 2006 for "contributions to the development of stochastic Loewner evolution, the geometry of two-dimensional Brownian motion, and conformal field theory" should be considered as the second physicist to have won the fields medal, and this time for work in statistical mechanics.

One of the reasons why this is important is that the majority of students going into theoretical physics think that high energy particle/string theory is where the most sophisticated and glamorous math is being applied, a notion which is supported by Witten being 'the only physicist to have won the medal', but I would like students to know that the mathematics in statistical field theory is just as fancy, and that working in theoretical condensed matter it is still possible to dream of winning the Field's Medal.

 

[atyy]

Fascinating. I'm trying to learn some of Cardy's work - didn't know it was related to a Fields medal. Thanks!

 

[sir-pinski]

As a physicist, I completely agree that the Fields Medal holds a special place in the mathematical community and is often seen as more prestigious than a Nobel Prize in Physics. It is a recognition of not just groundbreaking research, but also a deep understanding and mastery of mathematics.

I also agree that Wendelin Werner's work in statistical mechanics, which was recognized by the Fields Medal, should be considered as a significant achievement for physicists. This highlights the fact that mathematical physics is a diverse and rich field, and that groundbreaking research can come from various areas, not just high energy particle/string theory.

It is important for students to understand that theoretical physics is not limited to just one area, and that there are many exciting opportunities for research and recognition in other fields such as statistical mechanics. The Fields Medal serves as a reminder that mathematics plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the physical world, and that physicists should not limit themselves to just one area of study.

In my opinion, the Fields Medal should not be limited to just mathematicians, but should also be open to physicists who make significant contributions to mathematics. This would not only recognize the interdisciplinary nature of mathematical physics, but also inspire more physicists to explore and contribute to the field of mathematics.