Edward Witten

Edward Witten’s work exhibits a unique combination of mathematical power and physics insight, and his contributions have significantly enriched both fields. He has greatly contributed to the modern interest in superstrings as a candidate theory for the unification of all known physical interactions. Most recently, he has explored quantum duality symmetries of field theories and string theories, opening significant new perspectives on particle physics, string theory, and topology. Princeton University, Ph.D. 1976; Harvard University, Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows, 1977–80; Princeton University, Professor 1980–87; Institute for Advanced Study, Member 1984, Professor 1987–97, Charles Simonyi Professor 1997–; MacArthur Fellowship 1982.