Described as a “role model and a strong advocate for gender equality in mathematics” by the prize, Uhlenbeck is one of the founders of the Park City Mathematics Institute at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University in New Jersey. Park City Mathematics Institute aims to train young researchers and promote mutual understanding of the interests and challenges in mathematics.

In her biography for the Abel Prize, Uhlenbeck is quoted as saying that being a role model for young female mathematicians is hard “because what you really need to do is show students how imperfect people can be and still succeed”.

She continues: “Everyone knows that if people are smart, funny, pretty, or well-dressed they will succeed. But it’s also possible to succeed with all of your imperfections. I may be a wonderful mathematician and famous because of it, but I’m also very human.”

Uhlenbeck may be very human, but she’s also an inspiration to women the world over.

Images: Andrea Kane/Institute for Advanced Study

This woman has become the first to win a major maths prize