Michel Waldschmidt is a world-renowned mathematician whose research has had a profound impact on number theory. He is considered the father of the great French school of transcendental number theory, has at least 65 scientific descendants, and is known to be an exceptional teacher.
Michel Waldschmidt is a professor emeritus at l’Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), where he taught for nearly 40 years. This exceptional teacher makes the most complex topics seem clear and understandable, and he inspires his students to explore these areas in even greater depth. Many travel from far away to take his courses in the latest avenues of research, and Michel Waldschmidtis regularly invited to teach courses in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
During his time as president of the Société mathématique de France, France’s premier mathematical organisation, Professor Waldschmidt organized the first Canada-France Congress in science and mathematics. Since then, he has fostered a special relationship with Canada, and with the University of Ottawa in particular. He has also served as vice-president of the International Center for Pure and Applied Mathematics, an organization that promotes mathematics in developing countries, and he is currently this organization’s Regional Scientific Officer for India and Western/Central Asia.
This eminent scientist is known for his modesty and kind regard for his colleagues, and his work has often been applauded by various national and international organizations. Most notably, he has been awarded the Albert-Chatelet Medal, the CNRS Silver Medal, and the French Academy of Science’s Marquet Prize. He has also been named a Fellow of the Robert-Bosch Foundation at Princeton University’s Institute for Advanced Study, and more recently was named an Honorary Fellow of the Hardy-Ramanujan Society. He is the author of over 160 publications, including 10 books.
Above all, Michel Waldschmidt is a researcher who is driven to pursue the loftiest ideals. He is an accomplished runner who has completed several marathons and run the gruelling Mont Blanc Ultra Trail three times. His genius, his impressive ability to pass on his knowledge, and his desire for achievement in all fields are sure to inspire our most recent graduates.