Speaker: Edward Witten, Professor of Mathematical Physics at the Institute for Advanced Study

Edward Witten is a mathematical physicist at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Witten is a researcher in string theory, quantum gravity, and supersymmetric quantum field theories, and is a leading researcher in superstring theory. In addition to his contributions to physics, Witten’s work has had a significant impact in pure mathematics.  In 1990 he became the first and so far the only physicist to be awarded a Fields Medal by the International Mathematical Union.  He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of a MacArthur Prize, the Dirac Medal, and other honors.