Congratulations to 2025 Abel Prize Recipient, Masaki Kashiwara!

We would like to congratulate the 2025 Abel Prize recipient Masaki Kashiwara, who has been recognized „for his fundamental contributions to algebraic analysis and representation theory, in particular the development of the theory of D-modules and the discovery of crystal bases.“ 

Masaki Kashiwara has during more than half a century in mathematics opened the door to a new mathematical field, built bridges and created tools and proven astonishing theorems with methods no one had previously imagined. In their announcement, the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (DNVA), which awards the Abel Prize, called Kashiwara “a true mathematical visionary.”

Symmetries are ubiquitous in mathematics and the physical world. Representation theory uses algebraic tools to investigate the ways in which a given symmetry can be expressed by linear transformations on vector spaces. Linear partial differential equations on the other hand are traditionally investigated using tools of analysis. Algebraic analysis, as initiated by the work of Mikio Sato (1928–2023), is a systematic study of these equations by algebraic means. Kashiwara has made groundbreaking contributions to this programme, leading to surprising connections and spectacular results in representation theory.

“For over 50 years Masaki Kashiwara has reshaped and deeply enriched the fields of algebraic analysis and representation theory. His work continues to be at the forefront of contemporary mathematics and to inspire generations of researchers,” says the President of the DNVA, Annelin Eriksen. 

The Abel Prize is an international prize presented by the King of Norway to one or more outstanding mathematicians. Named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829), the Abel Prize and the Fields Medal have often been described as the „Mathematician’s Nobel Prizes“. It comes with a monetary award of NOK 7,5 million.

The award ceremony will take place in Oslo on May 20, 2025.

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