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    Abel Prize
    Academic Awards

    Abel Prize

    Norway flagNorway

    "The highest honor in mathematics"

    Founded 2003 Oslo, Norway
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    About

    The Norwegian Parliament voted to create this award on January 1, 2002, establishing a permanent endowment of 200 million Norwegian kroner. The first ceremony took place the following year in Oslo, where the King of Norway presents the prize annually. This initiative filled a specific void left when Alfred Nobel excluded mathematics from his will, creating what many now call the "Nobel of Mathematics." Unlike commercial entities, this organization functions solely as an international recognition program administered by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

    Selections rely on the Abel Committee, a group of five mathematicians chosen for their expertise who operate independently to identify the most significant contributions to the field. The committee reviews nominations from around the globe before presenting the winner with a cash prize of 7.5 million NOK and a silver trophy. Recipients must also deliver a series of public lectures in Norway, spreading knowledge about their work to students and researchers alike.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Annual Mathematical Award7.5 Million NOK Cash PrizeSilver TrophyLaureate Lecture Series

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns the Abel Prize?
    The prize is not owned by any individual or corporation. It is administered by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and funded through an endowment established by the Norwegian government.
    How much is the Abel Prize worth?
    The monetary award is currently set at 7.5 million Norwegian kroner. Depending on exchange rates, this translates to approximately $700,000 to $870,000 USD.
    Who won the 2026 Abel Prize?
    German mathematician Gerd Faltings received the 2026 award for his transformative work in number theory, specifically his proof of the Mordell conjecture.
    Is the Abel Prize the same as the Nobel Prize?
    No, the Abel Prize is distinct because it was created specifically for mathematics. Alfred Nobel did not include math in his original will, so this award serves as the closest equivalent in terms of prestige.
    Why was the Abel Prize established?
    It was founded in 2002 to honor the legacy of Niels Henrik Abel and to provide a prestigious international award that recognizes outstanding achievements in mathematical research.

    Keywords

    mathematics awardNiels Henrik AbelNorwegian Academy of ScienceGerd FaltingsAvi Wigdersonnumber theoryMordell conjectureacademic honors

    Sources

    Company Info

    Founded
    2003
    Founder
    Norwegian Parliament
    Headquarters
    Oslo, Norway
    Industry
    Academic Awards
    Parent Company
    Norwegian Government
    First Awarded
    2003
    Endowment Amount
    200 million NOK
    Current Prize Value
    7.5 million NOK
    Presented By
    King of Norway
    Administering Body
    Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters

    Official Website

    abelprize.no/

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