Representatives of the mathematical community,

Distinguished guests!

It is a great pleasure for me to address the international mathematical community on this occasion.

The year 2002 is an important anniversary for the field of mathematics: the bicentennial of the birth of Niels Henrik Abel. The anniversary has already been duly celebrated through a number of events in all parts of Norway. Mathematics has even become part of our everyday lives through a daily Abel column in one of our major newspapers.

This week’s Conference at the University of Oslo is of course one of the highlights of the bicentennial. The Conference presents an overview of the mathematical heritage of Niels Henrik Abel and identifies new mathematical trends for the next century.

I am pleased and honoured that so many representatives of the mathematical community have come to Oslo to take part in this event. I can think of no better occasion to present the Niels Henrik Abel Memorial prize in mathematics.

My colleague Mrs Clemet, Minister of Education and Research, would have wanted to address you today, but could not since she was called to Parliament. I know she would have wanted to emphasize her dedication to the advancement of science, and to the promotion of scientific excellence. She sends her warm regards to all Abel enthusiasts - and hopes to see you next year.

The history of the Abel prize

As you may know, the question of having an award in mathematics similar to the Nobel Prize is a century-old one. At the centennial jubilee in 1902, Abel had already reached the position of national symbol and scientific hero. The celebration committee had two major suggestions: One was to raise a statue over Abel. The other idea was to establish a scientific prize in his name. Only the statue was realized. The chairman of the celebration committee, Mr. Fridtjof Nansen, deeply regretted that the prize had to be abandoned. One of his letters ends as follows:

"…unfortunately we have only one Abel; the opportunity will not come again for 100 years."

Nansen was right. The second part of the story started in the year 2000. The new Abel biography (Called too soon by flames afar) brought new life to the idea of the Abel prize. This time the idea resulted in a letter to the Ministry of Education and Research, proposing the establishment of a state fund to finance a scientific prize in the name of Abel.

The proposal was backed by numerous declarations of support from Norwegian scientists, from the international mathematical community and from several leading politicians.

With the establishment of the Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund in January 2002 a long process was finally brought to a successful end!

The main objectives of the prize

The main object of establishing the prize is to honour outstanding scientific work in the field of mathematics. Mathematics has been vital to the development of civilization. From ancient to modern times it has been fundamental to advances in science, engineering and philosophy. And the application of mathematics in other fields of science keeps expanding.

I therefore believe that there is every reason to introduce an annual prize in mathematics, corresponding to the Nobel prizes in other areas.

Another important objective is to raise the status of mathematics in society. Above all we need to stimulate the interest of children and young people. The lack of interest in mathematics and the natural sciences is a problem in many countries. Considering the importance of mathematics to virtually all sectors of society, this is a trend we should all try to reverse. I truly believe the Abel Prize may contribute to this end.

Finally the prize aims to commemorate Norway’s most eminent scientist ever. Abel died in 1829, at only 26 years of age. His short life and tragic death have given birth to a number of myths around his person. Some have characterised him as the Mozart of science. Others have even called him "the James Dean of mathematics".

But there was nothing glamorous about the life and career of Niels Henrik Abel. He had to rely on short-term loans and scholarships. And his well-deserved professorship in Berlin was not announced until right after his death.

Norway at the time of Abel was a young nation with a small scientific community. The heritage of Abel has been of tremendous importance for future generations. Abel gave our nation scientific traditions and self-confidence. And he formulated new questions that mathematicians are still addressing today.

The establishment of the Abel prize is a way of saying that we are deeply indebted to the work of Niels Henrik Abel. It is somewhat ironic that Abel died with an unsettled personal loan in the Central Bank of Norway. Now, two centuries later, we have established a fund in his name in the very same bank. (And if Abel's personal loan still has not been settled, I shall personally see to it that it is !)

The Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund has an initial capital of 200 million norwegian kroner (approximately 27 million euro).

The annual return on this capital shall be used for three main purposes:

• The award to the Abel laureate, similar to the Nobel Prize in monetary value.
• A ceremony in conjunction with the presentation of the prize
• and events targeting children and young people
  

Procedures for the Abel prize

The Abel Prize will be awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters on an annual basis, starting from the year 2003.

The Academy will appoint an Abel Board which will be responsible for organizing events in conjunction with the presentation of the prize and for achieving the other objects of the prize.

In addition the Academy will appoint an Abel Committee. The Abel Committee will consist of five outstanding research scientists in the field of mathematics. The Committee will be responsible for nominating prize candidates and submitting a recommendation to the Norwegian Academy. Both Norwegian and non-Norwegian citizens may be members of the committee.

Concluding remarks

At the beginning of the last century (in 1900), the mathematician David Hilbert concluded his famous speech to the International Congress of Mathematicians by expressing the following wish:

“ May the 20th century bring mathematics gifted masters and many enthusiastic disciples”.

Today, at the beginning of a new century, Hilbert's wish deserves to be repeated. The need for mathematical competence is in fact greater than ever.

Our hope is that the Abel Prize will be an inspiration to scientists and students in all parts of the world, and thereby stimulate new gifted masters and enthusiastic disciples.

I thank you for your attention, and we look forward to welcoming you back for the first Abel award ceremony in 2003.