Mathematician Michael Atiyah passes away

LONDON: Michael Atiyah, one of the foremost mathematicians whose work encompassed topology and geometry, and who worked with several Indian mathematicians during his career, has passed away aged 89.

Atiyah, who was based at Oxford, Cambridge and several other universities, is best known for his contribution to a branch of mathematics called topological K-theory and the Atiyah-singer index theorem.

Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the Royal Society, said of Atiyah, who held the post between 1990 and 1995: “He was a true internationalist and a fervent supporter for investing in talent – themes which resonate very clearly today.”

Atiyah, who visited Bengaluru several times, worked with Indian-american mathematician Harish-chandra and Vijay Kumar Patodi. Atiyah was the chancellor of the University of Leicester.