Carl M Bender, the Wilfred R. and Ann Lee Konneker Distinguished Professor of Physics at Washington University has been awarded the 2017 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics, one of the highest distinctions available to scientific investigators in that field. Bender, an internationally renowned leader in mathematical physics, was recognized for “developing techniques of classical applied mathematics including asymptotics, perturbation theory, nonperturbative methods, complex-variable theory, differential equations, and combinatorics to solve important difficult problems in quantum theory.”
“This is an extraordinary honor,” says Mark Alford, professor and chair of the physics department, “[It] places Carl alongside some of the great names of modern theoretical physics, including Edward Witten, Steven Weinberg, etc.”
The prize was established in 1959 by the Heineman Foundation for Research, Educational, Charitable, and Scientific Purposes to recognize “valuable published contributions made in the field of mathematical physics.” It is administered jointly by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Institute of Physics and consists of $10,000 as well as a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. For additional information, please see the APS website.
