What is the mathematics analogue of the Nobel Prize?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on identifying the mathematical equivalent of the Nobel Prize, with a focus on comparing the Fields Medal and the Abel Prize. Participants explore the monetary values, frequency of awards, and prestige associated with these prizes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the Abel Prize is a closer analogue to the Nobel Prize than the Fields Medal, citing similar monetary values and annual award frequency.
  • Another participant questions the monetary value of the Fields Medal, suggesting it might be $1 million based on a misconception related to Grigori Perelman's actions.
  • A different participant clarifies that the Fields Medal is indeed $15,000 and suggests that the confusion may stem from the millennium prize problems, which offer a larger sum.
  • One participant acknowledges the Abel Prize's similarity to the Nobel Prize but maintains that the Fields Medal is the most prestigious award in mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the monetary value and prestige of the Fields Medal compared to the Abel Prize, indicating a lack of consensus on which is the true analogue to the Nobel Prize.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the perceived prestige of the awards and potential confusion over their monetary values, particularly in relation to the millennium prize problems.

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You have probably heard many times that the closest analogue of the Nobel Prize for mathematics is the Fields Medal. But today I realized that it is not. There is a much closer analogue - the Abel prize.

In particular, both the Nobel and the Abel prize are about $1.5 million, while the Fields medal is only about $15.000. In addition, Nobel and Abel prizes are awarded each year, while Fields medal is awarded every four years. For more details see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fields_Medal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abel_Prize
 
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Are you sure the Fields medal is only $15.000? I always thought it was $1 million. Didn't Grigori Perelman turn down 1 million dollars?
 
Last edited:
The Fields medal is only $15 000. You're thinking of the millennium prize problems.
 
Yeah, the Abel prize is probably closest to the Nobel Prize. But the Fields medal is still the most prestigous prize.
 

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