Sun Dec 22 02:29:39 UTC 2024: ## Indian Mathematician Neena Gupta Wins Prestigious Infosys Prize

**Bengaluru, India –** Dr. Neena Gupta, a professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, has been awarded the 2024 Infosys Prize in Mathematics for her groundbreaking work on the Zariski cancellation problem, a fundamental challenge in algebraic geometry. The award recognizes Gupta’s innovative approach to solving a problem posed in 1949, a journey she describes as long and challenging, involving collaboration and perseverance.

Gupta’s contributions extend beyond this single achievement. She previously won the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2019), the Nari Shakti Puraskar (2021), and the DST-ICTP-IMU Ramanujan Prize (2021). Her work on the Zariski cancellation problem, initially tackled during a chance encounter with a field expert in 2014, later led to the development of a broader theory applicable to higher dimensions, achieved with the assistance of her PhD students.

In an interview with The Hindu, Gupta emphasized the importance of collaboration and mentorship in her success. She highlighted the supportive role of her supervisor, Dr. Amartya Kumar, and acknowledged the unique challenges faced by women in mathematics, particularly the balancing act between family responsibilities and demanding careers. She expressed optimism about increasing female participation in the field, citing the growing number of scholarships, fellowships, and role models like Professors Raman Parimala and Sujatha Ramdorai. Gupta also praised institutions like the Infosys Science Foundation for their recognition of researchers and their contribution to fostering collaboration and interest in the field. She encourages young women aspiring to careers in mathematics to persevere and embrace their unique perspectives.

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