Russian mathematician known for his work in Riemannian geometry and geometric topology. In his life, he has proved several instrumental theorems.
He attended the School of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Leningrad State University and began his career at the Leningrad Department of Steklov Institute of Mathematics.
He was the first mathematician to be awarded "Breakthrough of the Year" by Science magazine.
He declined three awards he was offered because he didn't like the attention they brought him and felt others were more deserving.
Andrew Wiles is another influential mathematician of the twentieth century.