Gauss Prize

Dr. Kiyoshi Ito receives Gauss Prize

Kyoto University professor emeritus and former director of the Kyoto University Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences Dr. Kiyoshi Ito was awarded the newly created Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize for applications of mathematics at the International Congress of Mathematicians held in Madrid on August 22, 2006, and on September 14, 2006, International Mathematics Union (IMU) President Sir J. Ball personally presented the medal to Dr. Ito at a special ceremony held in Kyoto.

Gauss Prize was created in 2002 by the worldwide organization for mathematics, the International Mathematics Union, to promote awareness of the influence of mathematics “as a key technology a driving force behind many modern technologies.” The prize is given to honor scientists whose mathematical research has contributed to the technological development of society and the enhancement of people’s everyday lives, and is the highest honor conferred for applications of mathematics.

The selection of Kiyoshi Ito for the first laureate reflects the achievements in the field of stochastic analysis, starting with his invention of the stochastic differential equation, which have had a significant impact on our society.

Sir John Ball presenting the medal and saying the words, “Congratulations,” to a smiling Dr. Ito, who responds, “Thank you very much.”