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Grigori Perelman

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Mathematician

The Resume

    (June 13, 1966- )
    Born in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
    Worked at the Steklov Institute of Mathematics
    Solved the Poincare Conjecture, considered one of the most difficult and far-reaching math problems of the 20th century

Why he might be annoying:

    He published his proof on the internet instead of in a peer-reviewed journal (2002).
    He became the first person to refuse the Fields Medal, the highest award in mathematics (2006).
    He earlier had rejected an award from the European Mathematical Society, claiming the prize committee was unqualified to assess his work.
    He gave up math, quit his job and moved back in with his mother.
    A colleague said, 'He looked like Rasputin.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He won a gold medal with a perfect score in the International Mathematical Olympiad (1982).
    He is a talented violinist.
    His proof of the Poincare Conjecture was Science magazine's 'Breakthrough of the Year,' the first time the field of math was chosen for recognition.
    After rejecting the Fields Medal he said, 'If the proof is correct, then no other recognition is needed.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 20 Votes: 55.00% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 14 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 10 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 24 Votes: 54.17% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 32 Votes: 46.88% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 22 Votes: 27.27% Annoying