Roman Holowinsky

American mathematician

The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize was awarded to Roman Holowinsky in 2011 for proving a significant case of the quantum unique ergodicity conjecture. This recognition highlighted his role in advancing number theory, specifically through his research into modular forms. He continues his academic career as an associate professor with tenure in the United States, maintaining a focus on rigorous mathematical contributions.

Academic Foundations and Early Research

Born in 1979, Holowinsky began his formal training at Rutgers University. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the institution in 2001 before continuing his graduate work. In 2006, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy under the supervision of Henryk Iwaniec. This period of study established his specialization in number theory, setting the stage for his subsequent professional focus on the properties of modular forms.

THE FREE TEST
How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Professional Recognition and Theoretical Work

Holowinsky joined the faculty at Ohio State University, where he currently serves as an associate professor. His collaboration with Kannan Soundararajan provided the breakthrough on the quantum unique ergodicity conjecture that earned him the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize. The same year, his research achievements were further acknowledged when he was granted a Sloan Fellowship.

The Erdős Institute

In 2017, Holowinsky expanded his professional activities beyond traditional research and teaching by founding the Erdős Institute. The organization operates as a multi-university collaboration designed to bridge the gap between academic mathematics and private industry. Its primary mission is to assist graduate students, postdocs, and graduate alumni in identifying and securing employment opportunities outside of traditional academic career paths.

Fast facts

Questions readers ask

What is Holowinsky's primary field of study?

He specializes in number theory, with specific attention to the theory of modular forms.

What is the function of the Erdős Institute?

Founded in 2017 by Holowinsky, it is a multi-university collaboration that helps mathematics graduates and postdocs transition into careers within private industry.

Achievements

Compare with the greats

Max Planck vs Werner HeisenbergAdam Smith vs Thomas AquinasBlaise Pascal vs Steve JobsGottfried Wilhelm Leibniz vs John Von Neumann
See the IQ Rankings →All comparisons →

Child prodigies

Emily BearEmily BearPlayed the White House at six, won a Grammy at twenty, scored a…Summer McintoshOlympic finalist at 14, world-record holder and triple Olympic…Laurent SimonsGraduated University at 11 — Belgian Prodigy with Electrical…Boris BeckerBoris BeckerWon Wimbledon at 17, the youngest men's Grand Slam champion ever
Child prodigies →

Play & come back tomorrow

Daily Genius Challenge · Guess the genius
Scottish physicist who unified electricity, magnetism and light into one set of equations.
Tap your answer ↓
Which Genius Are You? Free IQ Test