# Sergei Novikov > Soviet and Russian mathematician (1938–2024) **Wikidata**: [Q333975](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q333975) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Novikov_(mathematician)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sergei-novikov ## Summary Sergei Petrovich Novikov (1938–2024) was a Soviet and Russian mathematician renowned for his foundational contributions to topology, symplectic geometry, and mathematical physics. One of the most decorated mathematicians of his generation, Novikov was awarded the Fields Medal in 1970 for his work on the topology of manifolds and the Wolf Prize in Mathematics in 2005, making him one of only a handful of mathematicians to receive both prestigious honors. His research influenced fields ranging from algebraic topology to quantum field theory, and he held positions at leading institutions including Moscow State University, the Steklov Institute of Mathematics, and the University of Maryland. ## Biography - **Born**: March 20, 1938 - **Died**: June 6, 2024 - **Nationality**: Soviet Union, Russia - **Citizenship**: Soviet Union, Russia - **Education**: Moscow State University (MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, founded 1933) - **Known for**: Contributions to algebraic topology, symplectic geometry, and mathematical physics; development of Novikov's compact leaf theorem; work on the Pontryagin class - **Employer(s)**: - Moscow State University (MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics) - Steklov Institute of Mathematics (affiliated with Russian Academy of Sciences, founded 1934) - Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics (founded 1964) - University of Maryland (College Park, USA) - **Field(s)**: - Topology - Symplectic geometry - Mathematical physics - General relativity - Analytical mechanics - Quantum field theory - Solid-state physics - Algebraic topology ## Contributions Novikov's mathematical career spanned several decades and produced groundbreaking results across multiple disciplines: **Topological Foundations**: Novikov proved the topological invariance of the rational Pontryagin classes, a fundamental result in algebraic topology. He developed what is now known as the Novikov compact leaf theorem, which provides key results about the foliation of compact 3-manifolds. **Symplectic Geometry and Mathematical Physics**: Novikov made significant contributions to symplectic geometry and its applications in mathematical physics. His work on the Wess–Zumino–Witten model, a type of 2D conformal field theory, bridged the gap between topology and quantum field theory. **Theoretical Physics Applications**: His research connected topological methods with general relativity, analytical mechanics, quantum field theory, and solid-state physics, influencing how mathematicians and physicists understand these interrelationships. **Academic Leadership**: Throughout his career, Novikov held prominent positions at Moscow State University, the Steklov Institute of Mathematics, the Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, and the University of Maryland, shaping mathematical education and research on three continents. ## FAQs ### What are Sergei Novikov's most notable awards? Novikov received numerous prestigious awards including the Fields Medal (1970), the Lenin Prize, the Wolf Prize in Mathematics (2005), the Lobachevsky Prize, the Bogolyubov Gold Medal, the Leonard Euler Gold Medal, and the Lomonosov Gold Medal. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from Tel Aviv University and the University of Athens. ### Which academic institutions did Sergei Novikov work at? Novikov was affiliated with several major research institutions: the MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, the Steklov Institute of Mathematics (Russian Academy of Sciences), the Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, and the University of Maryland in the United States. ### What mathematical concepts are associated with Sergei Novikov? Novikov is associated with several important mathematical concepts: the Pontryagin class (characteristic classes for real vector bundles), Novikov's compact leaf theorem (concerning foliations of compact 3-manifolds), and contributions to the Wess–Zumino–Witten model in conformal field theory. ### Was Sergei Novikov involved in international academic organizations? Yes, Novikov was elected to multiple international academies including the National Academy of Sciences (USA), the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (Vatican), the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Academia Europaea, the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts, and Italy's Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. ### What was Sergei Novikov's primary field of research? Novikov's primary research spanned topology, algebraic topology, symplectic geometry, and mathematical physics. His work connected pure mathematics with theoretical physics, particularly in areas involving the topology of manifolds and quantum field theory. ## Why They Matter Sergei Novikov's work fundamentally shaped modern mathematics, particularly the intersection of topology and physics. His proof of the topological invariance of rational Pontryagin classes resolved a central question in algebraic topology and enabled further developments in the field. The Novikov compact leaf theorem became a cornerstone result in the study of foliations, influencing generations of researchers in differential topology. His ability to bridge pure mathematics and theoretical physics was particularly significant. By applying topological methods to problems in quantum field theory and general relativity, Novikov helped establish new pathways for mathematical physics that remain active areas of research today. The Wess–Zumino–Witten model, to which he contributed, remains a fundamental example in conformal field theory. As a teacher and administrator, Novikov influenced mathematics education across the Soviet Union, Russia, and the United States. His positions at Moscow State University and the University of Maryland allowed him to mentor numerous students who went on to become leading mathematicians themselves. The recognition he received from both the Soviet/Russian Academy of Sciences and Western institutions reflects his unique position as a mathematician who transcended political boundaries during the Cold War. ## Notable For - Recipient of the Fields Medal (1970) for contributions to the topology of manifolds - Recipient of the Wolf Prize in Mathematics (2005) - Member of six international academies including the National Academy of Sciences (USA) and the Russian Academy of Sciences - Developer of Novikov's compact leaf theorem in foliation theory - Contributor to the understanding of the Pontryagin class in algebraic topology - Work on the Wess–Zumino–Witten model bridging topology and quantum field theory - Honorary doctorates from Tel Aviv University and the University of Athens - Recipient of the Lomonosov Gold Medal, Leonard Euler Gold Medal, and Lenin Prize ## Body ### Early Life and Education Sergei Petrovich Novikov was born on March 20, 1938, in the Soviet Union. He pursued his higher education at the Moscow State University Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, one of the premier mathematical institutions in the Soviet Union, established in 1933. This faculty produced many of Russia's most prominent mathematicians and provided Novikov with a rigorous foundation in pure mathematics. ### Academic Career and Institutional Affiliations Novikov's academic career was marked by affiliations with several world-renowned institutions. At Moscow State University, he was part of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, where he both studied and later taught. The Steklov Institute of Mathematics, affiliated with the Russian Academy of Sciences and founded in 1934, became another major center of his work. Named after Vladimir Steklov, this institute has produced influential mathematicians including Alexey Lyapunov and Yuri Matiyasevich. The Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, founded in 1964, provided Novikov with an environment to pursue the intersection of mathematics and theoretical physics. Later in his career, he held a position at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, USA, one of the leading public research universities in the United States, founded in 1856/1858. ### Membership in Scientific Academies Novikov's international recognition is evidenced by his election to numerous scientific academies worldwide. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States (founded 1863), the Russian Academy of Sciences (founded 1724), the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1925–1991), and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (founded 1936). Additionally, he was elected to the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (founded 1841), Academia Europaea (founded 1988), the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts (founded 1973), and Italy's Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei (founded 1870). ### Major Mathematical Contributions Novikov's contributions to mathematics were both deep and wide-ranging. In algebraic topology, his work on the Pontryagin class—characteristic classes defined for real vector bundles—provided fundamental insights into the structure of manifolds. The Pontryagin class, with 9 sitelinks reflecting its importance in the mathematical literature, became a central concept in topology. His work on foliations, culminating in Novikov's compact leaf theorem, addressed fundamental questions about the topology of 3-manifolds. This theorem, with 5 sitelinks, established important results about the existence of compact leaves in foliations and remains a key reference in differential topology. In mathematical physics, Novikov contributed to the understanding of the Wess–Zumino–Witten model, a type of 2D conformal field theory with 8 sitelinks. This work connected topological methods with quantum field theory, demonstrating the deep connections between pure mathematics and theoretical physics. His research interests encompassed general relativity, analytical mechanics, quantum field theory, and solid-state physics, making him a rare mathematician who could work effectively across the pure-applied mathematics divide. ### Awards and Honors Novikov received nearly every major honor available to mathematicians. The Fields Medal, awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40 at the International Congress of the International Mathematical Union, was awarded to him in 1970. The Wolf Prize in Mathematics, an Israeli award established in 1978, was awarded to him in 2005. Among Soviet and Russian awards, he received the Lenin Prize (one of the most prestigious Soviet awards, established 1925), the Lobachevsky Prize, the Bogolyubov Gold Medal, the Leonard Euler Gold Medal (established 1957), and the Lomonosov Gold Medal (awarded by the Russian Academy of Sciences for achievements in natural sciences and humanities). He also received honorary doctorates from Tel Aviv University (Israel) and the University of Athens (Greece), reflecting his international stature. ### Legacy and Influence Novikov's influence extends through his published works, his students, and the mathematical traditions he established. His ability to work across topology, geometry, and physics helped bridge gaps between different mathematical communities. The institutions with which he was affiliated—the Steklov Institute, the Landau Institute, Moscow State University, and the University of Maryland—continue to be centers of mathematical research. His recognition by both Soviet/Russian institutions and Western academies during a period of Cold War division demonstrates the universal appreciation for his contributions. The combination of the Fields Medal and Wolf Prize places him among the most decorated mathematicians in history, with only a select few having received both honors. Sergei Novikov passed away on June 6, 2024, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence contemporary research in topology, geometry, and mathematical physics. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. [История медали и премии имени Н.И. Лобачевского](https://medal.kpfu.ru/laureatyi-medali/) 5. [Sergei P. Novikov. Wolf Foundation](https://wolffund.org.il/sergei-p-novikov/) 6. Mathematics Genealogy Project 7. International Standard Name Identifier 8. CiNii Research 9. СЕРГЕЈ ПЕТРОВИЧ НОВИКОВ. www.sanu.ac.rs 10. [Sergei P. Novikov. Academia Europaea](https://www.ae-info.org/ae/User/Novikov_Sergei) 11. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 12. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive 13. [Скончался Сергей Петрович Новиков. Lomonosov Moscow State University](https://math.msu.ru/node/2177) 14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 15. [Source](https://www.ae-info.org/ae/User/Novikov_Sergei) 16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File