MG 15 · 2018
Shing-Tung Yau
Shing-Tung Yau is a mathematician whose work in differential geometry has had deep consequences for general relativity and string theory.
1949, Shantou, China
Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
“For the proof of the positivity of total mass in the theory of general relativity and perfecting as well the concept of quasi-local mass, for his proof of the Calabi conjecture, for his continuous inspiring role in the study of black holes physics.”
MG XV, Rome, Italy
Work
The geometry of spacetime and the sign of gravitational mass are fundamental to the mathematical consistency of general relativity.
Yau proved the positive mass theorem with Richard Schoen, proved the Calabi conjecture, and advanced geometric tools used in black-hole physics.
His work gave relativity rigorous mathematical foundations and opened pathways between geometry, topology, and theoretical physics.