FACES OF MATHEMATICS

Ulrike Tillmann works in algebraic topology, where her work combines original thinking in homotopy theory with strong geometric insight to give new understanding of large classes of topological structures. She has developed new algebraic models for homotopy theory and so new frameworks for proving penetrating and definitive results. Her work is also related to modern developments in the physics of topological field theories.

"I think of a theorem - that this must be true - and then try to prove it. You need to see the whole way through: that is how I tend to work. I try to sketch a proof, and complete a little bit and go home happy. That's how I work: I try to see the whole thing and then come back and fill in the details.

"You need the whole community of mathematicians: we also teach, and mathematics is a conversation that goes backwards and forwards between people, and also between the generations. I think that's important -- to have this continuity of ideas."