The 2006 William Christian Krumbein Medal recognized Vera Pawlowsky-Glahn for her extensive contributions to the field of mathematical geosciences. A Spanish-German mathematician born in Barcelona in 1951, she has built an academic career centered on applied mathematics, informatics, and the development of rigorous statistical methods for complex data modeling in earth sciences and geomathematics.
Academic Foundation
Pawlowsky-Glahn completed her undergraduate and master studies at the University of Barcelona between 1980 and 1982. She subsequently pursued doctoral research at the Freie Universität Berlin, where she earned her PhD in 1986. Her early career included an appointment at the Freie Universität Berlin, where she worked as a researcher and teacher from 1982 until 1986.
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Her career in Spain saw her hold an associate professorship at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia from 1986 to 2000. She joined the University of Girona in 2000, where she served as a full-time professor within the Department of Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics until 2018. Following this tenure, she transitioned to the role of professor emeritus. During her time at Girona, she held director positions during the 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 academic years.
Research and Professional Influence
Her primary research focuses on the statistical analysis of compositional data, spatial cluster analysis, and algebraic-geometric approaches to statistical inference. She has authored or edited numerous academic works, including Geostatistical Analysis of Compositional Data, published by Oxford University Press in 2004, and the 2015 text Modelling and Analysis of Compositional Data. In 2015, she led a commission to establish an international organization dedicated to advancing compositional data modeling. She served as president of the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences between 2008 and 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Barcelona, Spain
- PhD: Freie Universität Berlin, 1986
- Citizenship: Spain
- Languages: English, Catalan
- IAMG President: 2008–2012
- Krumbein Medal Recipient: 2006
- John Cedric Griffiths Teaching Award: 2008
- Current Status: Professor Emeritus, University of Girona
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Vera Pawlowsky-Glahn's research?
Her work concentrates on the statistical analysis of compositional data, spatial cluster analysis, and algebraic-geometric approaches to statistical inference.
Did she lead any professional mathematical organizations?
Yes, she served as the president of the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences (IAMG) from 2008 to 2012.
Achievements
- William Christian Krumbein Medal — 2006
- Held posts at Polytechnic University of Catalonia, University of Girona and Freie Universität Berlin
- Fields: applied mathematics, statistical method and informatics
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