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What is the Crafoord Prize?
A Prestigious Recognition
The Crafoord Prize is a distinguished international award established in 1980 by Holger and Anna-Greta Crafoord. It is presented annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Crafoord Foundation in Lund, Sweden.
Complementing Nobel's Scope
The prize's disciplines are strategically chosen to complement the Nobel Prizes, focusing on fields not traditionally covered. These include astronomy and mathematics, geosciences, and biosciences, with a particular emphasis on ecology. A special award for polyarthritis research is also granted when significant advancements are recognized.
Global Impact
Awarded for fundamental contributions that have led to breakthroughs in their respective fields, the Crafoord Prize celebrates scientific endeavors that push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding across the globe.
Awarded Fields
Astronomy & Mathematics
Recognizing advancements in understanding the cosmos, from celestial mechanics to the structure of the universe, and foundational work in abstract mathematical concepts.
Geosciences
Honoring contributions to the study of Earth's systems, including its physical structure, processes, history, and the dynamic interplay of its components.
Biosciences
Specifically acknowledging pioneering work in ecology and other areas of biological science that deepen our understanding of life and its interactions.
Polyarthritis Research
A unique category awarded when substantial progress is made in understanding and treating inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, stemming from Holger Crafoord's personal experience.
The Genesis of the Prize
A Visionary Donation
Holger Crafoord, a Swedish industrialist, and his wife Anna-Greta established the prize through a significant donation to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1980. Their vision was to support and celebrate scientific research that might otherwise be overlooked.
Personal Motivation
The inclusion of polyarthritis research as a specific category was deeply personal, inspired by Holger Crafoord's own struggle with severe rheumatoid arthritis in his later years. This ensured a focus on advancing medical understanding in this area.
Awarding Authority
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
The selection of laureates is entrusted to the esteemed Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. This institution, renowned for its rigorous evaluation of scientific merit, ensures that the prize recognizes truly exceptional and impactful research.
Royal Patronage
The prize ceremony is traditionally graced by a member of the Swedish Monarchy, underscoring the national significance and prestige associated with the Crafoord Prize and its laureates.
Distinguished Laureates
A testament to scientific excellence, the Crafoord Prize has honored numerous influential figures across its designated fields.
Laureate Overview
The Crafoord Prize is typically awarded to one or up to three recipients each year, recognizing their profound contributions. The following table details some of the notable laureates and their cited achievements.
Prize Specifics
Monetary Reward
The prize money associated with the Crafoord Prize is 6,000,000 Swedish Kronor (approximately US$560,000), reflecting its significant value and the caliber of its recipients.
Award Schedule
Laureates are typically announced in mid-January, with the formal award ceremony taking place in April or May during the designated "Crafoord Days" in Lund, Sweden.
Inaugural Award
The first Crafoord Prize was awarded in 1982, recognizing seminal work in mathematics by Vladimir Arnold and Louis Nirenberg.
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References
References
- Grothendieck declined the prize.[11]
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