- The Gauß Professorship, awarded by the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities, is a prestigious recognition given to scientists who excel in fields significant to Carl Friedrich Gauss, such as mathematics, physics, astronomy, and geophysics. This honour invites recipients to engage with the academic community in Göttingen, participating in research and scholarly exchanges.
- The Academy was founded in 1751 by King George II of Great Britain, Elector of Hanover, under the motto “Fecundat et ornat” – “It enriches and adorns” – reflecting its mission to advance knowledge and enhance it through practical application. It is the oldest institution of its kind in Germany. Over its more than 250-year history, the Academy has had many illustrious members, including Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, Goethe, Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt, the Grimm brothers, Carl Friedrich Gauss, and 74 Nobel laureates among others.
Bellaterra, Octubre 23, 2024 The Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Göttingen, Germany, has recently awarded Professor Eva Miranda with the Gauß Professorship. This honour, established in memory of Carl Friedrich Gauss, is given to scientists excelling in fields such as astronomy, geophysics, mathematics, and physics. Miranda, full professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and affiliated researcher at CRM, expressed immense joy in receiving the distinction: “It’s one of those moments that makes you stop and think, ‘Wow, I’m stepping into Gauss’ shoes!’ It’s both humbling and inspiring”. She emphasised how meaningful it is to receive such recognition from an institution with such an illustrious academic history.
Miranda’s current academic journey is also marked by her ongoing stay in Cologne, where she is enjoying the Bessel Award granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She described how the Gauß Professorship adds to this enriching experience, stating: “It’s an honour to be invited to Göttingen, especially knowing that the only obligation is to engage with the scientific community there. I’m excited to attend academy meetings and give seminars at the University of Göttingen.”
The professorship was established to commemorate the centenary of Carl Friedrich Gauss’s death, who was the director of the University Observatory of Göttingen from 1807 until his passing in 1855. Recipients are selected by the Gauss Commission, appointed by the Academy’s Mathematics and Natural Sciences class.
This is the latest in a series of recognitions received by Miranda and other mathematicians affiliated with CRM. In discussing the state of the Catalan mathematical community, Miranda expressed optimism: “We are in a ‘sweet moment,’ with a sense of cohesion, new opportunities, and growing visibility on the international stage. The CRM has played a crucial role in this transformation.” She highlighted how the centre, under the leadership of the current and former directors, has facilitated stronger scientific connections and opened doors for new collaborations, adding, “We’ve reinvented ourselves, and this new version of the CRM is more connected and collaborative than ever before.”
Miranda also underscored the importance of international recognition in fostering collaborations, particularly through awards like the Gauß Professorship. She reflected on how her previous honours, including being selected as the London Mathematical Society Hardy lecturer, have led to lasting partnerships: “Opportunities like these allow me to connect with researchers I might not have otherwise met. For example, during my Hardy Tour, I established exciting collaborations with figures like Ray Pierrehumbert and Roger Penrose, which continue to bear fruit today.”
Eva Miranda’s reflection on the importance of international mobility highlights her approach to research and collaboration. “I firmly believe that mobility is essential for generating new ideas and projects. When you move, not only do you expand your collaborations, but you also create the ideal environment for radical, thought-provoking ideas to flourish,” she remarked. For Miranda, the Gauß Professorship represents an opportunity to foster unconventional ideas, driven by diverse influences, which she views as key to scientific progress.
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