Mathematician Michael Atiyah passes away

LONDON: Michael Atiyah, one of the foremost mathematicians whose work encompassed topolo g y a n d g e o me t r y , a n d who worked with several Indian mathematicians during his career, has passed away aged 89.

Atiyah, who was based at Oxford and Cambridge, among several universities, during his career, 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 t he post between 1990 and 1995: “He was a true internationalist and a fervent supporter for investing in talent – themes which resonate very clearly today,” Ramakrishnan added.

Atiyah, who visited Bengaluru several times, worked with Indian-american mathematician Harish-chandra and Vijay Kumar Patodi. HTC