The London Mathematical Society awarded the Whitehead Prize to Alessio Corti in 2002 for his contributions to the field of algebraic geometry. Born in 1965 in Pisa, Italy, Corti has developed an academic career focused on the classification of algebraic varieties, including an ongoing project to create a periodic table of geometric shapes.
Academic Formation
Corti completed his foundational studies in Pisa, earning a diploma from the University of Pisa and the Scuola Normale Superiore in 1987. He moved to the University of Utah to pursue advanced doctoral research, completing his PhD in 1992 under the supervision of János Kollár.
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Following his doctoral studies, Corti held post-doctoral positions at the Scuola Normale Superiore and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley. He served as the Dickson Instructor at the University of Chicago between 1993 and 1996. Subsequently, he transitioned to the University of Cambridge, where he served as a lecturer and later as a reader in mathematics. In 2005, he joined the faculty at Imperial College London, where he remains a professor.
Mathematical Contributions
His research interests lie within algebraic geometry, a branch of mathematics that analyzes the zeros of multivariate polynomials. Corti is credited with initiating a project that seeks to categorize geometric structures in a manner analogous to a periodic table. This work continues alongside his teaching and research responsibilities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Pisa, Italy
- PhD: 1992, University of Utah
- Current Position: Professor, Imperial College London
- Award: Whitehead Prize (2002)
- Daughter: Beatrice (born 17 September 1992)
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Alessio Corti's research?
He works in the field of algebraic geometry and is the originator of a project to create a periodic table of shapes.
Where has Alessio Corti held academic appointments?
His career includes positions at the University of Chicago, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
Achievements
- Whitehead Prize — 2002
- Held posts at Imperial College London
