Women in Mathematics: The Legacy of Maryam Mirzakhani

Each May 12 we celebrate the International Women in Mathematics DayThis date seeks to make visible the contributions of women in this discipline and to inspire new generations.

This day was born in honor of Maryam Mirzakhanian Iranian mathematician who transformed our understanding of geometry and left an indelible mark.

From letters to numbers

Maryam was born in 1977, in Tehran, Iran. As a child she dreamed of writing novels, but later on she discovered another language that caught her: that of the mathematics.

At the age of 17, he won his first gold medal at the International Mathematics Olympiad. The following year she did it again, this time with a perfect score. She was the first Iranian student to do so.

Women in Mathematics: a brilliant mind that broke down barriers

He studied Mathematics at Sharif University. He then received his PhD from Harvard University. During his career, he specialized in complex fields such as:

• Hyperbolic geometry
• Moduli space theory
• Riemannian surface dynamics

Their work opened up new ways of thinking about fundamental problems that connect geometry, physics and number theory.
In 2009 she was appointed professor at Stanford University, where she continued to develop research that marked a before and after in her discipline.

An award that made history

In 2014, Maryam Mirzakhani made history. She became the first woman to receive the Fields Medalthe most important recognition in mathematics.

Since its creation in 1936, no woman had been awarded. Maryam's achievement was historic as well as symbolic: she demonstrated that women have a leading role in science.

I will be happy if this encourages young women scientists and mathematicians.

International Women in Mathematics Day

In 2019, May 12 was officially declared to be the International Women in Mathematics Day. The date was chosen in honor of the birth of Maryam Mirzakhani.

This day is an invitation to recognize the contributions of women in this disciple, open more doors and building a future where the women in mathematics have more opportunities to grow and lead.

Maryam's story is an inspiration to many. Because behind every formula there is also imagination, passion and courage.