The characterization of conics in finite projective planes serves as a fundamental contribution attributed to Beniamino Segre, who identified the specific conditions under which ovals correspond exactly to irreducible conics. Born in Turin in 1903, he established a significant academic profile that spanned algebraic geometry, finite geometry, and combinatorial geometry throughout the twentieth century.
Academic Formation and Early Career
Segre completed his foundational studies at the University of Turin between 1919 and 1923, under the guidance of his uncle, Corrado Segre. Following this period, he engaged in further research at the University of Paris from 1926 to 1927. His initial professional appointments included tenures at the University of Turin from 1923 to 1926 and the Sapienza University of Rome from 1927 to 1931.
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The implementation of anti-Jewish legislation under the government of Benito Mussolini forced Segre from his position at the University of Bologna in 1938. He resided in Great Britain for eight years, primarily employed at the Victoria University of Manchester from 1942 to 1946. Upon his return to Italy, he held positions at the University of Bologna from 1946 to 1950 and subsequently returned to Sapienza University of Rome, where he served until 1977.
Contributions to Geometry
Segre occupied a critical position in the evolution of modern algebraic geometry. He conducted extensive research into birational invariants, algebraic surfaces, and singularities. His 1959 survey, 'Le geometrie di Galois', is recognized as a seminal text that methodically categorized results in finite geometry. His body of work, which includes the 'Segre class', bridged classical geometric traditions with the demands of increasing mathematical rigour.
Institutional Leadership and Recognition
Throughout his career, Segre maintained memberships with the French Academy of Sciences, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, where he served as president from 1974 to 1977. His honors included the Mathematical Prize of the Italian Academy of Sciences, a knighthood in the Legion of Honour, and the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Fast facts
- Born: 1903, Turin
- Died: 1977, Frascati
- Key area: Algebraic geometry
- Notable work: Segre's theorem
- Academic role: President, Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Honorary status: Doctor of Comenius University
Questions readers ask
What is Segre's theorem?
It is a mathematical result proving that in a Desarguesian plane of odd order, the ovals are exactly the irreducible conics.
Where did he work during the 1940s?
He was employed at the Victoria University of Manchester in Great Britain from 1942 to 1946.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Notable work: Segre's theorem
- Notable work: Segre class
- Affiliated with University of Bologna, University of Turin and Sapienza University of Rome
- Educated at University of Turin and University of Paris
- Worked as mathematician and university teacher
