Diving into Math with Emmy Noether

DIVING INTO MATH  WITH EMMY NOETHER: A theatre performance about one of history’s most influential mathematicians

Emmy Noether (1882-1935) was one of the most influential mathematicians of the last century. Her works and teachings left a lasting mark on modern algebra, opening new avenues for a new structural perspective in mathematics. Noether was also one of the first women to gain the right to teach at a German university. She acquired that certification (Habilitation) on June 4, 1919, after submitting a thesis in which she solved one of the central problems in Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Her two celebrated theorems relating symmetries of variational problems and conservation laws of the field equations form the cornerstone of modern physical theories and beyond.

To celebrate the centenary of this event and the career of a unique personality in the history of mathematics, the ensemble Portrait Theater Vienna has produced a biographical play, Diving into Math with Emmy Noether. The production is directed by Sandra Schüddekopf and stars Anita Zieher as Emmy. The play is based on historical documents and events, and was written in cooperation with the historians Mechthild Koreuber and David E. Rowe. Further information can be found on the play’s website.

The University of Minnesota is pleased to announce that an English-language version of the play will be performed on Sep 26, 2023 at 7 p.m. in Coffman Memorial Union Theater. Associated events are being planned to showcase the mathematical, scientific, and philosophical impact of Emmy Noether’s legacy.

Reserve your free performance ticket


Schedule of Events

3:00-3:30 p.m. Refreshments and social hour, Vincent Hall 120 (Lounge)
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Presentations and questions, Vincent Hall 16

Emmy Noether was one of the twentieth century's most important mathematicians.  Her contributions, spanning invariant theory, the calculus of variations, abstract algebra, and number theory, combined with her mathematical philosophy have had a profound impact in mathematics, physics, and beyond.  In this session the presenters will give short general audience talks on various aspects of Noether's life, contributions, and impact, to be followed by time for questions and a panel discussion.  

Moderator: Michelle Chu (Mathematics, University of Minnesota)

  • David Rowe (Institut für Mathematik, Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany) — Emmy Noether: from Invariant Theory to Physics to Abstract Algebra
  • Peter Webb (Mathematics, University of Minnesota) — Noether's Impact in Algebra
  • Peter Olver (Mathematics, University of Minnesota) — Emmy Noether: Symmetry and Conservation; History and Impact
  • Fiona Burnell (Physics, University of Minnesota) — Noether's Impact in Modern Physics
4:30-5:00 p.m. Panel discussion, Vincent Hall 16
7:00 p.m. Diving into Math with Emmy Noether, Coffman Memorial Union Theater

The event is co-sponsored by the School of Mathematics, the School of Physics and Astronomy, the History of Science and Technology Program, and the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science.

Please direct questions about the event to mathdept@umn.edu.

Start date
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, 7 p.m.
End date
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, 9 p.m.
Location

Coffman Memorial Union Theater
300 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

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