A man solves one of the most difficult maths problems, refuses Rs 8.5 crore award and then changes his career

Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician renowned for his groundbreaking work, solved a mathematical mystery that had puzzled experts for over a century. In 1904, French mathematician Henri Poincaré proposed a problem, later known as Poincaré's conjecture. This complex theorem delves into the intricate structure of three-dimensional spaces, hypothesizing that any such space where every loop can be tightened to a single point must inherently be a three-dimensional sphere. Despite decades of effort, it remained unsolved until Perelman published his solution in 2002.

Poincaré's conjecture is rooted in the mathematical field of topology, which explores the properties of shapes and spaces that remain unchanged under continuous deformations. While the problem's significance was well-recognized, its complexity left even top mathematicians stumped for nearly a century. Perelman’s solution was a monumental achievement, and in the years following his publication, leading mathematicians rigorously reviewed and confirmed the correctness of his work.

In recognition of his accomplishment, the Clay Mathematics Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, awarded Perelman a $1 million prize in 2010. This reward was part of a series of incentives offered for solving seven of the world’s most challenging mathematical problems, known as the Millennium Prize Problems. However, Perelman declined the prize, citing his disagreement with the decision to exclude mathematician Richard S. Hamilton from sharing the honor. Hamilton’s earlier contributions, particularly his development of the Ricci flow, were foundational to the eventual solution of the conjecture.


This was not the first time Perelman turned down prestigious recognition. In 2006, he refused the Fields Medal, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of mathematics. Perelman’s reasons for rejecting these accolades stemmed from his desire to avoid public attention and his dissatisfaction with what he perceived as ethical shortcomings within the mathematical community.

By 2006, Perelman had withdrawn entirely from academic mathematics, cutting ties with the community and leaving his position at the Steklov Mathematics Institute in St. Petersburg. Reports suggest he sought a new path in life, away from the field where he had achieved extraordinary success. Despite his reclusive lifestyle, Perelman’s work remains a landmark in mathematics, underscoring both the depth of his intellect and his unwavering commitment to his principles.