14/12/2022
reproduction of column by Marcelo Viana in the Folha de S. Paulo
At the end 1st world war, Europe was bitterly divided, and the world of mathematics could not stay away. By decree of the International Mathematical Union, mathematicians from conquered countries —especially Germany— prohibited 1920 International Congress of Mathematicians in Strasbourg. This situation lasted until the 1932 Congress in Zurich, on the eve of a new world conflict.
The 1924 Congress was to be held in New York, but by 1922 it was clear that, due to the policy of exclusion, it would be impossible to obtain funding in the United States, a country with which Germany’s scientific developments are inextricably linked.
In a critical situation, but unable to change its stance, the International Mathematical Union breathed a sigh of relief when Canada john charles Field (1863-1932) offered to organize a Congress in Toronto. Fields worked hard, traveling non-stop between North America and Europe, to put on the event which turned out to be a success. Diplomatically, he avoided confronting the policy of exclusion, while at the same time indicating that it must end.
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The Toronto Congress lasted for six days and was attended by 444 participants from 28 countries. No Brazilians. In the end, the delegates took part in a spectacular Continental Excursion, 18 days (!) by train to the west coast of Canada “to enjoy the country’s landscapes and natural resources”.
Overall, the Toronto Congress resulted in a balance of $2,700. On Fields’ proposal, it was decided that a large portion should be used “for the two medals to be awarded at the next International Congress of Mathematicians”.
Fields was involved in the formulation of the award. Due to its influence, the medal has an unusual purpose, very different from the medal itself Nobel Prize, for example: given “in recognition of work done, but also as an incentive to new achievements”. Another thing he emphasized—unsuccessfully this time—was that the award could not be in anyone’s name.
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