# Atle Selberg

> Norwegian mathematician (1917–2007)

**Wikidata**: [Q211041](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211041)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atle_Selberg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atle-selberg

## Summary
Atle Selberg was a Norwegian mathematician (1917–2007) known for his groundbreaking contributions to number theory, particularly in the development of the Selberg trace formula and the Selberg zeta function. He was a university teacher and a member of prestigious academic institutions, including the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

## Biography
- Born: 1917 (Trondheim, Norway)
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Education: University of Oslo
- Known for: Pioneering work in number theory, including the Selberg trace formula and Selberg zeta function
- Employer(s): University of Oslo, Syracuse University, Institute for Advanced Study
- Field(s): Number theory

## Contributions
- **Selberg trace formula**: Developed a powerful tool in number theory that connects automorphic forms to their traces, providing a unified approach to studying various mathematical objects.
- **Selberg zeta function**: Introduced a generalized zeta function that extends the Riemann zeta function, with applications in analytic number theory.
- **Selberg class**: Defined an axiomatic class of L-functions that includes many important functions in number theory.
- **Selberg sieve**: Developed a method for estimating the size of sifted sets, a fundamental tool in analytic number theory.
- **Fields Medal**: Awarded in 1950 for his contributions to number theory, making him one of the youngest recipients at the time.
- **Gunnerus Medal**: Received from the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters in 1950.
- **Wolf Prize in Mathematics**: Awarded in 1986 for his foundational work in number theory.

## FAQs
**What was Atle Selberg’s most significant contribution to mathematics?**
Atle Selberg’s most significant contribution was the development of the Selberg trace formula, which provided a unified framework for studying automorphic forms and their traces, revolutionizing number theory.

**Where did Atle Selberg work during his career?**
Atle Selberg worked at the University of Oslo, Syracuse University, and the Institute for Advanced Study, where he made significant contributions to mathematics.

**What awards did Atle Selberg receive?**
Atle Selberg received the Fields Medal in 1950, the Gunnerus Medal in 1950, and the Wolf Prize in Mathematics in 1986 for his groundbreaking work in number theory.

**What is the Selberg zeta function?**
The Selberg zeta function is a generalized zeta function introduced by Atle Selberg that extends the Riemann zeta function, with applications in analytic number theory.

**How did Atle Selberg influence modern mathematics?**
Atle Selberg’s work laid the foundation for many areas of modern number theory, including the study of automorphic forms and the development of powerful tools like the Selberg trace formula and Selberg zeta function.

## Why They Matter
Atle Selberg’s work in number theory has had a profound and lasting impact on the field. His development of the Selberg trace formula and Selberg zeta function provided powerful tools for studying automorphic forms and their traces, revolutionizing number theory. His contributions have influenced generations of mathematicians and remain foundational in modern research. Selberg’s work has also been recognized through numerous awards, including the Fields Medal, the Gunnerus Medal, and the Wolf Prize in Mathematics, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century.

## Notable For
- **Fields Medal recipient**: Awarded in 1950 for his contributions to number theory.
- **Gunnerus Medal recipient**: Received in 1950 from the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.
- **Wolf Prize in Mathematics recipient**: Awarded in 1986 for his foundational work in number theory.
- **Selberg trace formula**: Pioneered a unified approach to studying automorphic forms and their traces.
- **Selberg zeta function**: Introduced a generalized zeta function with applications in analytic number theory.
- **Selberg class**: Defined an axiomatic class of L-functions that includes many important functions in number theory.
- **Selberg sieve**: Developed a method for estimating the size of sifted sets, a fundamental tool in analytic number theory.
- **University teacher**: Taught at the University of Oslo, Syracuse University, and the Institute for Advanced Study.
- **Member of prestigious academic institutions**: Included the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born in 1917 in Trondheim, Norway, Atle Selberg showed early mathematical talent.
- Studied at the University of Oslo, where he developed his foundational work in number theory.

### Mathematical Contributions
- **Number Theory**: Selberg made groundbreaking contributions to number theory, including the development of the Selberg trace formula and Selberg zeta function.
- **Automorphic Forms**: His work on automorphic forms provided a unified framework for studying their traces, revolutionizing the field.
- **Analytic Number Theory**: Selberg’s contributions to analytic number theory, including the Selberg sieve, have had a lasting impact on the field.

### Recognition and Legacy
- **Fields Medal**: Awarded in 1950 for his contributions to number theory, making him one of the youngest recipients at the time.
- **Gunnerus Medal**: Received in 1950 from the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.
- **Wolf Prize in Mathematics**: Awarded in 1986 for his foundational work in number theory.
- **Influence on Modern Mathematics**: Selberg’s work has influenced generations of mathematicians and remains foundational in modern research.

### Academic Affiliations
- **University of Oslo**: Taught and conducted research at the University of Oslo.
- **Syracuse University**: Worked at Syracuse University, contributing to number theory.
- **Institute for Advanced Study**: Conducted research at the Institute for Advanced Study, where he made significant contributions to mathematics.

### Awards and Honors
- **Fields Medal**: Awarded in 1950 for his contributions to number theory.
- **Gunnerus Medal**: Received in 1950 from the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.
- **Wolf Prize in Mathematics**: Awarded in 1986 for his foundational work in number theory.

### Influence on Number Theory
- **Selberg Trace Formula**: Provided a unified approach to studying automorphic forms and their traces.
- **Selberg Zeta Function**: Introduced a generalized zeta function with applications in analytic number theory.
- **Selberg Class**: Defined an axiomatic class of L-functions that includes many important functions in number theory.
- **Selberg Sieve**: Developed a method for estimating the size of sifted sets, a fundamental tool in analytic number theory.

### Legacy and Impact
- **Foundational Work**: Selberg’s work laid the foundation for many areas of modern number theory.
- **Influence on Mathematicians**: His contributions have influenced generations of mathematicians.
- **Lasting Impact**: Selberg’s work remains foundational in modern research in number theory.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Turing's Cathedral
3. Norsk biografisk leksikon
4. BnF authorities
5. [Source](https://www.ias.edu/scholars/atle-selberg)
6. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
7. Mathematics Genealogy Project
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Encyclopædia Universalis
10. Croatian Encyclopedia
11. [Source](http://www.ias.edu/newsroom/announcements/view/1186683853.html)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12300918h)