Professor
Victor Kac
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mathematician; Educator
Area
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Specialty
Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics
Elected
2007
Founder of representation theory of infinite-dimensional Lie (super) algebras. Co-discovere of Kac-Moody algebras. Creator of the theory of finite-dimensional and linearly compact Lie superalgebras, important for supersymmetric theories in physics. Other discoveries include Weyl-Kac Character formula, Kac determinant formula, vertex operator construction, crucial for integrable systems, conformal field theory and string theory. Awarded the Wigner Medal in recognition of work on affine Lie algebras that has had wide influence in theoretical physics.
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