The 2011 ICTP Ramanujan Prize was awarded to Philibert Nang, a Gabonese mathematician whose research in algebra focuses on D-modules and the Riemann-Hilbert correspondence. His career highlights the potential for high-level mathematical inquiry to flourish within Africa, setting a precedent for scholars working in institutions located across the continent.
Early Education and Research
Born in 1967 in Port-Gentil, Gabon, Nang pursued his advanced studies in France. He attended Pierre and Marie Curie University, where he earned his doctorate in 1996. His doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Louis Boutet de Monvel.
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Nang has published extensively on D-modules, particularly those associated with specific algebraic structures. His subsequent work includes a 2004 article on determinantal singularities and a 2012 classification of regular holonomic D-modules on skew-symmetric matrices, which was featured in the Journal of Algebra.
Academic Appointments and Recognition
Beyond his research, Nang has held various academic roles and visiting positions, including time at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He served as an associate professor at the University of Pretoria from 2020 to 2024 and has been employed at the University of Tsukuba. He currently acts as the president of the Gabon Mathematical Society and received the African Mathematics Millennium Science Initiative-Phillip Griffiths Prize in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Port-Gentil
- Citizenship: Gabon
- Doctorate: Pierre and Marie Curie University, 1996
- ICTP Ramanujan Prize: 2011
- African Mathematics Millennium Science Initiative-Phillip Griffiths Prize: 2017
- University of Pretoria tenure: 2020-2024
- Current role: President of the Gabon Mathematical Society
Questions readers ask
What is Philibert Nang's primary area of research?
He specializes in applied mathematics, specifically within the fields of algebra, D-modules, and the Riemann-Hilbert correspondence.
Where has Nang held academic positions?
He has been employed at the University of Tsukuba and the University of Pretoria, while also serving as a visiting member at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Achievements
- ICTP Ramanujan Prize — 2011
- Held posts at University of Tsukuba
