For this tireless, cheerful and exceptionally sociable researcher, already the recipient of numerous awards, this latest honor crowns the long, rich career of an extraordinary scientist.
Dennis Sullivan has long been familiar with and fond of France, having held a permanent professorship at the Institut des hautes études scientifiques from 1974 to 1997. For years afterward, he divided his research activities between the United States and France. His originality lies in devising algebraic models for topological spaces, helping to forge links between seemingly distant fields. The prize he is to receive recognizes both his contributions across topology, geometry, algebra and analysis, which the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters rightly describes as "revolutionary", and the charisma he brings to his well-attended seminar, where questions can be raised freely. He was even among the first to have his lectures filmed, making them available to many other researchers.
