Ronald M. Solomon Receives 2006 AMS Conant Prize

January 13, 2006

Providence, RI:

Ronald M. Solomon of the Ohio State University is receiving the 2006 AMS Levi L. Conant Prize. Presented annually by the American Mathematical Society, the Conant Prize recognizes an outstanding expository paper published in either the Notices of the AMS or the Bulletin of the AMS in the preceding five years. The prize is being awarded today at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in San Antonio, Texas.

Professor Solomon is honored for his article:

"A Brief History of the Classification of the Finite Simple Groups", Bulletin of the AMS, volume 38, (2001), number 3, pages 315-352.

The classification of finite simple groups is a fundamental challenge in mathematics that has motivated an enormous amount of research. Solomon's article tells the story of this problem, from its inception in 1893 up to current research. "Solomon's article stresses key developments in a way that makes connections with other aspects of group theory so that the subject becomes more than just taxonomy," the citation states. "Thus, he provides a glimpse into a broad panorama of finite group theory. The article gives an unusual insider's look at the process of mathematical research, with its false starts, insightful conjectures and dogged determination... Solomon has written a valuable survey, accessible to a broad spectrum of mathematicians, that is both engaging and enlightening."

Find out more about AMS prizes at http://www.ams.org/prizes-awards.

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Founded in 1888 to further mathematical research and scholarship, the 30,000-member American Mathematical Society fulfills its mission through programs and services that promote mathematical research and its uses, strengthen mathematical education, and foster awareness and appreciation of mathematics and its connections to other disciplines and to everyday life.