Perelman, Grigori

Grigori Perelman is a Russian mathematician renowned for solving the Poincaré Conjecture, a major problem in topology, which is the study of space and shape. The conjecture, proposed in 1904, asked whether a three-dimensional manifold that is topologically equivalent to a sphere must be actually a sphere. Perelman provided a proof in 2003 using groundbreaking techniques and the concept of Ricci flow. His work confirmed a fundamental understanding of three-dimensional spaces, significantly advancing mathematics. Despite the prestigious Clay Millennium Prize, he declined both the award and the Fields Medal, choosing a private life over fame.