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Award-winning mathematician Ma Xiaonan returns to China from Europe

Renowned mathematician Ma Xiaonan has joined Nankai University as a chair professor at the Chern Institute of Mathematics, bringing expertise in differential geometry and topology. His commitment to teaching and research, coupled with a history of prestigious awards and global recognition, highlights his dedication to fostering a new generation of mathematical talent. Ma's return to China signifies a significant contribution to the nation's mathematical landscape and promises advancements in pure and applied mathematics.



Renowned Chinese mathematician Ma Xiaonan, a distinguished figure in the realms of differential geometry and topology, has made a significant career move that is set to invigorate mathematical pursuits at Nankai University in Tianjin. The university proudly announced his appointment as a chair professor at the prestigious Chern Institute of Mathematics (CIM), an illustrious establishment founded in 1985 by the eminent Chinese-American mathematician Shiing-Shen Chern.

 

At 52 years old, Ma Xiaonan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, having garnered accolades such as the esteemed Sophie Germain Prize from the French Academy of Sciences. In expressing his enthusiasm for joining Nankai, Ma highlighted the institution's stellar reputation in mathematics, both domestically and internationally. He underscored the institute's robust academic framework and culture of innovation as pivotal factors that drew him to Nankai.

 

During a meeting with CIM's director and university vice-president Bai Chengming, Ma articulated his eagerness to dedicate himself fully to teaching and research at Nankai. He expressed his commitment to nurturing budding talents equipped with global perspectives and innovative capabilities, underlining his vision for fostering a new generation of mathematical thinkers.

 

Ma Xiaonan's expertise lies in global analysis on manifolds and complex geometry, where he delves into unraveling the intricacies of complex shapes and spaces, seeking methods to streamline or predict their behaviors. His groundbreaking work transcends disciplinary boundaries, with implications spanning from theoretical physics to computer graphics, contributing significantly to our comprehension of phenomena such as the universe's structure and quantum mechanics.

 

Throughout his illustrious career, Ma has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Ferran Sunyer i Balaguer Prize in 2006 and the Gay-Lussac-Humboldt Prize in 2022, in recognition of his efforts in fostering research collaborations between France and Germany. Originating from a humble background in a small village in Zhejiang province, Ma's academic journey has been marked by excellence, from his exceptional performance in mathematics during high school to his doctoral studies in Paris.

 

Having traversed various academic landscapes, from postdoctoral research in Berlin to professorial roles in prestigious institutions across France and Germany, Ma's return to China signifies a homecoming to contribute to the nation's mathematical landscape. The Chern Institute of Mathematics stands as a beacon of open research, poised to attract top-tier mathematicians globally and domestically, while propelling the advancement of pure and applied mathematics in China.

 

Noteworthy figures like Nobel laureate Yang Chen-ning, who transitioned to Chinese citizenship in pursuit of scientific endeavors, have laid the groundwork for pioneering research at CIM. With Ma Xiaonan's arrival, Nankai University and the Chern Institute of Mathematics are poised to scale new heights in mathematical exploration and innovation, bolstered by his expertise and dedication to shaping future mathematical landscapes.

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