Famous Norwegian Mathematicians

Niels Henrik Abel was a Norwegian mathematician known for his groundbreaking contributions in various mathematical fields. His most renowned achievement was proving the impossibility of solving the general quintic equation in radicals, a problem that had puzzled mathematicians for over two centuries. Abel also made significant advancements in elliptic functions and discovered Abelian functions. Despite facing poverty, he made remarkable discoveries during a short period of intense work. His impactful work continues to inspire mathematicians, with experts predicting that his contributions will remain significant for centuries to come.

Johan Galtung was a pioneering Norwegian sociologist known for founding the discipline of peace and conflict studies. He established the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and the Journal of Peace Research, making significant contributions to the field. Galtung held the world's first chair in peace and conflict studies at the University of Oslo and later taught at various universities worldwide. He was recognized as a Distinguished Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Hawaii and the Tun Mahathir Professor of Global Peace at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Sophus Lie was a Norwegian mathematician known for his pioneering work in the theory of continuous symmetry, particularly in the realms of geometry and differential equations. He made significant contributions to the field of algebra, playing a crucial role in its development. Lie's research laid the foundation for modern group theory and transformation groups, greatly influencing various branches of mathematics. His work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of symmetry in mathematical structures and continues to be studied and applied in diverse areas of mathematics today.

Vilhelm Bjerknes was a Norwegian physicist and meteorologist known for his foundational contributions to modern weather forecasting. He formulated the primitive equations used in numerical weather prediction and climate modeling. He established the Bergen School of Meteorology, which played a crucial role in advancing weather prediction in the early 20th century. Bjerknes' work significantly impacted the field of meteorology, setting the stage for the development of key forecasting techniques still in use today.

Fredrik Carl Mülertz Størmer was a prominent Norwegian mathematician and astrophysicist known for his significant contributions to number theory, particularly in the calculation of π and Størmer's theorem. In the field of physics, he conducted research on the movement of charged particles in the magnetosphere and the formation of aurorae. Størmer authored a notable book on these topics, titled From the Depths of Space to the Heart of the Atom. He held a distinguished position as a mathematics professor at the University of Oslo and was honored with a crater on the far side of the Moon named after him.

Atle Selberg was a prominent Norwegian mathematician recognized for his significant contributions to analytic number theory and the theory of automorphic forms, particularly for integrating them with spectral theory. His groundbreaking work earned him the prestigious Fields Medal in 1950 and an honorary Abel Prize in 2002. Selberg's research greatly influenced the fields of mathematics, and his innovative approaches continue to inspire further advancements in number theory and related areas of study.

Cato Maximilian Guldberg was a prominent Norwegian mathematician and chemist recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to physical chemistry. He is celebrated as a pioneer in this field, having made significant advancements that have had a lasting impact on scientific research. Guldberg's work and discoveries have greatly influenced the understanding of chemical reactions and the principles governing them. Through his dedication and expertise, he has left a lasting legacy in the scientific community, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field of physical chemistry.