A 1986 laurea in mathematics from the University of Turin marked the commencement of Susanna Terracini's career in academia and research. Born in 1963 in South London, she established herself as an Italian mathematician focused on dynamical systems and differential equations, eventually shaping institutional academic policy while advancing theoretical research within European universities.
Academic Foundation and Doctoral Research
Terracini completed her initial degree under the supervision of Fulvia Skof before transitioning to the International School for Advanced Studies. In 1990, she finalized her doctoral dissertation, titled Periodic Solutions to Singular Newtonian Systems, under the guidance of advisors Ivar Ekeland and Sergio Solimini. This period established her technical foundation in Hamiltonian dynamical systems.
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Following a researcher position at Paris Dauphine University held between 1988 and 1989, Terracini joined the faculty at the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1990. Her progression through the Italian university system included a move to the University of Milano-Bicocca in 2001, where she obtained a full professorship. She returned to the University of Turin in 2012 to continue her work.
Mathematical Contributions and Awards
Her research outputs frequently address the n-body problem, reaction–diffusion systems, and the Schrödinger equation. These contributions earned her significant recognition from professional bodies. In 2002, the Italian Mathematical Union conferred upon her the Vinti Prize. Later accolades include the Bruno Finzi Prize in 2007, awarded by the Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere, and the Schauder Medal in 2020.
Institutional Advocacy and Public Stance
Beyond her technical work, Terracini has participated in administrative and political discourse within her institutions. In 2024, as a member of the academic senate at the University of Turin, she provided the sole dissenting vote against proposals to sever ties with Israeli academic institutions. She has consistently opposed academic boycotts, a position she also maintained regarding agreements with Russian universities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, South London
- Citizenship: Italy
- Doctoral Institution: International School for Advanced Studies
- Primary Fields: Applied Mathematics, Hamiltonian dynamical systems
- 2002 Award: Vinti Prize
- 2020 Award: Schauder Medal
- Current Board Membership: Scientific Advisory Board, Barcelona Centre de Recerca Matemàtica
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Susanna Terracini's mathematical research?
She specializes in chaos in Hamiltonian dynamical systems, the n-body problem, reaction–diffusion systems, and the Schrödinger equation.
What administrative roles has she held in Italian universities?
She has held faculty positions at the Polytechnic University of Milan, the University of Milano-Bicocca, and the University of Turin.
Achievements
- Vinti Prize — 2002
- Held posts at University of Turin, University of Milan-Bicocca and Polytechnic University of Milan
