Shiing-Shen Chern
Awards & Honours
5
Awards Won
5
Honours
2
Records
Chern's achievements stand among the most significant in 20th-century mathematics. He proved the intrinsic Gauss–Bonnet theorem and introduced Chern classes, which have become fundamental tools in geometry and topology. His Chern–Simons theory, developed with Jim Simons, found deep applications in physics, including the fractional quantum Hall effect and topological quantum computing.His honors include the National Medal of Science, the Wolf Prize, and the inaugural Shaw Prize. The International Mathematical Union established the Chern Medal in his memory, awarded every four years for outstanding lifelong achievement in mathematics. Chern's legacy continues through the Chern Institute of Mathematics and the thousands of mathematicians who trace their academic lineage to him.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Chern Medal
Established in his memory, awarded every four years for outstanding mathematical achievement.
Member of the National Academy of Sciences
Elected for his contributions to mathematics.
Foreign Member of the Royal Society
Elected as a foreign member.
Honorary Doctorates
Received honorary degrees from the University of Chicago, ETH Zurich, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Asteroid 29552 Chern
An asteroid was named in his honor.
Records & Feats
First to prove intrinsic Gauss–Bonnet theorem
Chern proved the intrinsic Gauss–Bonnet theorem for general Riemannian manifolds, a landmark result in differential geometry.
Introduced Chern classes
He introduced topological invariants now known as Chern classes, which became fundamental tools in mathematics and physics.