Cedric Villani

Cedric Villani is a renowned French mathematician and professor of mathematics at the University of Lyon. He has achieved immense fame in the fields of mathematics and popular culture and is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Fields Medal and the 2010 Clay Research Award.

Born in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, in 1973, Cedric Villani's passion for mathematics began at an early age. A brilliant student, he completed his diploma in mathematics at the Lycee Henri-Poincare in Paris in 1991 before taking a degree in Mathematics at the prestigious Ecole Normale Supérieure. He went on to complete a doctoral thesis at the University of Paris in 1998, and was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at Berkeley in 1999.

Villani's career in mathematics has taken a number of twists and turns. After spending time in Berkeley and at Princeton University, he assumed a position at the University of Lyon in 2009, where he remains today. His research focuses on a variety of topics within the fields of probability, geometry and analysis. In particular, his research in kinetic theory and the Boltzmann equation has earned him international acclaim.

Perhaps the highest honor of Villani's career thus far has been receiving the Fields Medal in 2010. This award is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors for mathematicians and is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. Villani also won the 2010 Clay Research Award for his work in kinetic theory.

Villani's fame extends beyond mathematics and academia. His colorful, idiosyncratic style of academic wardrobe has earned him the title of the "Mathematical Rock Star." He has been featured in a number of documentaries and magazines, and has made numerous public appearances, most notably at TED Talks.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Villani is an active author of a number of books. His best-known work is Théorème vivant, a memoir of his journey through mathematics that recounts some of his most defining personal moments. Other books of his include Optimal Transport, Hypocoercivity and Fantastique Stochastique.

With a remarkable academic career, a memorable public persona and a host of writings, Cedric Villani is a true celebrity in the realm of mathematics and popular culture. His diverse research and engaging demeanor have made him one of the most respected and sought-after personalities in the field of mathematics today.