The 2023 Fields Medal Symposium will honour Caucher Birkar. Birkar was awarded the Fields Medal in 2018 “for his proof of the boundedness of Fano varieties and contributions to the minimal model program.”

Birkar is perhaps best known for the development of new techniques and tools for understanding the birational geometry of algebraic varieties and for settling several long-standing problems in the field. In particular, his work has helped prove that all algebraic varieties can be reduced to one of three basic types through birational transformations, bringing order to the associated infinite zoo of polynomial equations. Further he showed that Fano varieties form a neat family that can be defined by a small number of parameters.

His work covers a broad range of topics and classification problems in birational geometry including minimal models, flips, Fano and Calabi-Yau varieties, singularities, generalized pairs, moduli theory and positive characteristic geometry.

Classification is a theme that has also played out in Birkar’s personal life. His name, which he changed to reflect his challenging path to academic success, can be interpreted as “immigrant mathematician” or “explorer mathematician” in Kurdish. His mathematical abilities landed him at the University of Tehran. He did his graduate studies at the University of Nottingham, UK. 

Birkar’s lived experiences, and notable contributions, make him an important advocate for the role of education and scientific research in improving people's lives and building a better future. 

Join us for the Public Opening of the 2023 Fields Medal Symposium, featuring a general audience presentation by Caucher Birkar (Fields Medal 2018). Welcome and introductions by distinguished guests from academia and government.