Leading Number Theorist from Stanford University Begins Appointment in July
Karl Rubin, professor of mathematics at Stanford University, has been named to the Edward and Vivian Thorp Chair in Mathematics at UC Irvine. Rubin is a renowned expert on number theory, one of the oldest branches of mathematics, and is best known for his work on elliptic curves - cubic equations originally studied purely for their theoretical interest that have recently proved crucial in the development of cryptography for securing computers and mobile devices such as cell phones. Elliptic curves were also a central ingredient in the solution 10 years ago of Fermat's Last Theorem - a puzzle that had stymied mathematicians since the 17th century. In addition, Rubin is renowned for his work on Euler systems, which are mathematical structures regarded as key to future advances in arithmetic algebraic geometry. "We are delighted that Dr. Rubin has joined the university. UCI continues its great success attracting and retaining faculty who are extraordinarily distinguished in their fields," said UCI Chancellor Ralph Cicerone. The Thorp chair was created with a donation of $1 million last year. Edward O. Thorp was a UCI professor of mathematics from 1965 to 1977 and a professor of mathematics and finance from 1977 to 1982. "UCI has made a judicious choice in selecting Karl," said Thorp. "His accomplishments and expertise make him an excellent person for the first holder of this chair. His appointment will further elevate the standing and visibility of the mathematics department." In 1992, Rubin was awarded the Cole Prize in Number Theory by the American Mathematical Society. This prize is awarded every five years for a notable paper in number theory, and it is the most prestigious award in number theory. Rubin has been a Guggenheim Fellow, a Sloan Fellow and a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious Humboldt Foundation Research Award. In 2002, he was invited to speak at the quadrennial International Congress of Mathematicians in Beijing, China. Rubin was the first to show that some so-called "Tate-Shafarevich groups" are finite. Tate-Shafarevich groups are mathematical objects that measure the arithmetic of elliptic curves. Rubin received his bachelor's in mathematics from Princeton University in 1976 and his doctorate in mathematics from Harvard University in 1981. He then spent 1981-1984 at Princeton and 1984-1997 at Ohio State University, working his way up the ranks to become Distinguished Professor in 1996. He moved to Stanford University in 1997. He is the author of the book Euler Systems (Princeton University Press, 2000) and nearly 50 publications in professional journals. Extremely active in the mathematical community, Rubin has been the editor of three distinguished journals and has served on several important American Mathematical Society committees. Rubin also has given many popular lectures both within the mathematical community and to the general public. "We are extremely fortunate to have Karl on board," said Ron Stern, dean of the School of Physical Sciences and professor of mathematics. "He is an exceptionally talented mathematician who brings to the position an outstanding reputation, a strong commitment to teaching as well as new research opportunities for our students." Rubin's appointment begins this month.
About the University of California, Irvine: The University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked public university dedicated to research, scholarship and community. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with approximately 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students and about 1,300 faculty members. The third-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3 billion.