The Whitehead Prize awarded to Keith Martin Ball in 1992 signaled an early recognition of his contributions to functional analysis and discrete geometry. Born in 1960 in New York City, he holds British citizenship and has focused his professional career on expanding the boundaries of mathematical theory and public engagement through his research and science communication efforts.
Academic Background
Ball attended Berkhamsted School before moving to Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. During his time at Cambridge, he completed the Mathematical Tripos, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1982. He remained at the institution to pursue doctoral studies under the supervision of Béla Bollobás, ultimately earning his PhD in 1987.
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His research spans functional analysis, high-dimensional and discrete geometry, probability theory, and information theory. He is known for solving the reverse isoperimetric problem and providing a sharp version of the Banach-Steinhaus Theorem. Additionally, he proved that infinitely many values of the Riemann function at odd integers are irrational, a result achieved alongside Rivoal. In the realm of information theory, his collaborative work with Artstein, Barthe, and Naor established that the central limit theorem of probability functions as an analogue of the second law of thermodynamics.
Professional Appointments and Outreach
Based at the University of Warwick, Ball has held a professorship while serving in various leadership capacities. From 2010 to 2014, he functioned as the Scientific Director of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh. Beyond his technical output, he contributes to popular science, notably through his book, Strange Curves, Counting Rabbits, & Other Mathematical Explorations.
Professional Recognition
The mathematics community has recognized Ball through several fellowships and honors. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and in 2011, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He also holds a fellowship with the American Mathematical Society, granted in 2013, and in 2023, he was elected as a member of the Academia Europaea.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, New York City
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Undergraduate Education: Trinity College, Cambridge
- Doctoral Supervisor: Béla Bollobás
- Award: Whitehead Prize (1992)
- Scientific Directorship: ICMS (2010-2014)
- Notable Book: Strange Curves, Counting Rabbits, & Other Mathematical Explorations
Questions readers ask
What subjects does Keith Martin Ball research?
His work encompasses functional analysis, geometry, probability theory, and information theory.
Where is Keith Martin Ball professionally based?
He is a professor at the University of Warwick.
Achievements
- Whitehead Prize — 1992
- Fellow of the Royal Society — 2011
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
- Held posts at University of Warwick
- Fields: mathematics, geometry and functional analysis
