Geometry & topology1966
Two ways to count the same obstruction
An elliptic operator has an analytic index, yet the same integer can be computed from the topology of its setting.
The storyAn award edition
1966
Different contributions. A shared moment in mathematics.
4 medalists — explore each contribution below.
Logic & foundations1966
What the axioms cannot decide
A precise mathematical question can remain undecidable from a chosen axiom system even when the system is internally consistent.
The storyAlgebraic geometry1966
A common language for geometry and arithmetic
Schemes extend the idea of a space defined by equations, allowing geometric methods to reach arithmetic settings.
The storyGeometry & topology1966
Taking a high-dimensional shape apart
Handle methods reveal when a manifold with the homotopy type of a sphere has the same underlying topological shape.
The story