The recognition of Shing-Tung Yau as a Fields medalist in 1982 marked a pivotal moment for differential geometry, establishing his influence over partial differential equations and general relativity. Born in 1949 in Shantou, his academic trajectory moved from childhood in British Hong Kong to graduate studies in the United States, ultimately shaping modern geometric analysis across global institutions.
Early Education and Academic Foundation
After moving to British Hong Kong as an infant, Yau attended Pui Ching Middle School and subsequently enrolled at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1966. Although he did not complete a degree there, his aptitude for the subject prompted a transition to the University of California, Berkeley in 1969. Working under the supervision of Shiing-Shen Chern, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy by 1971. His early exposure to the Journal of Differential Geometry during this time catalyzed his interest in geometric group theory and the work of John Milnor.
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Yau is recognized for profound developments in differential geometry and geometric analysis. His work includes the resolution of the Calabi conjecture and the positive mass theorem, completed in collaboration with Richard Schoen. His research also covers the Monge–Ampère equation, the topological theory of minimal surfaces with William Meeks, and the Donaldson-Uhlenbeck-Yau theorem developed with Karen Uhlenbeck. These contributions bridge the gap between pure mathematics and theoretical physics, impacting string theory and general relativity.
Career Path and Institutional Leadership
Following an appointment at the Institute for Advanced Study, Yau held positions at Stony Brook University, Stanford University, and the University of California, San Diego. He later moved to Harvard University, serving as the William Caspar Graustein Professor of Mathematics until his retirement in 2022. He transitioned to Tsinghua University as a professor of mathematics, continuing his work in establishing mathematical centers, including the Morningside Center of Mathematics and the Center of Mathematical Sciences and Applications.
Citizenship and Professional Recognition
Yau experienced a period of being stateless between 1978 and 1990 due to changes in his Hong Kong residency status, before obtaining United States citizenship. His professional achievements are noted by numerous accolades, including the 1981 John J. Carty Award for the Advancement of Science, the 1991 Humboldt Prize, and the 2010 Wolf Prize in Mathematics. He is a member of multiple organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the American Mathematical Society.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Shantou
- Fields Medal: 1982
- Citizenship: United States; British Hong Kong
- PhD: 1971, University of California, Berkeley
- Primary Field: Differential geometry
- Languages: English, Cantonese, Hakka Chinese
- Wolf Prize in Mathematics: 2010
Questions readers ask
What is the significance of the Calabi conjecture in Yau's career?
The resolution of the Calabi conjecture is one of Yau's most celebrated results, forming a cornerstone of his contributions to differential geometry and modern physics.
Did Shing-Tung Yau contribute to physics?
Yes, his research in geometric analysis has significant implications for string theory, general relativity, and the mathematical study of physical systems.
Achievements
- Fields medal — 1982
- Oswald Veblen Prize in Geometry — 1981
- National Medal of Science — 1997
- Humboldt Prize — 1991
- Wolf Prize in Mathematics — 2010
- Held posts at Harvard University, Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley
- Fields: differential geometry and mathematics
