Stephen Smale

Awards

1. 1966

   Fields Medal

   Math

   Worked in differential topology where he proved the generalized Poincaré conjecture in dimension n \geq 5: Every closed, n-dimensional manifold homotopy-equivalent to the n-dimensional sphere is homeomorphic to it. Introduced the method of handle-bodies to solve this and related problems.

2. 2006/2007

   Wolf Prize — Mathematics

   Math

   for his groundbreaking contributions that have played a fundamental role in shaping differential topology, dynamical systems, mathematical economics, and other subjects in mathematics.