Mathematician Rajula Srivastava Wins Prestigious Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for Harmonic Analysis Work

Rajula Srivastava, a mathematician at the University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, won the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for her work in harmonic analysis and analytic number theory. Srivastava grew up in a science-loving family and enjoyed solving puzzles. She decided to become a mathematician at 15 and pursued her passion through an integrated master's degree and PhD. Her work involves breaking down functions into frequencies and reconstructing signals.

Rajula Srivastava, a mathematician at the University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, has been recognized for her exceptional work in harmonic analysis and analytic number theory. She recently won the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize, an initiative of the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics, for her innovative contributions to the field [1].

Srivastava's journey into mathematics began at the age of 15 when she decided to pursue her passion for solving puzzles. She completed an integrated master's degree in mathematics at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneshwar, and later obtained her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work focuses on breaking down functions into their constituent frequencies using harmonic analysis and the Fourier transformation, a method that allows for the reconstruction of complex signals from their frequency components [1].

Srivastava's research extends into higher dimensions, where she applies her expertise in harmonic analysis to count points on complex shapes within a lattice. This interdisciplinary approach, which combines harmonic analysis and number theory, has led to significant advancements in her field. Her work has been recognized with the prestigious Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize, which honors outstanding contributions to mathematics [1].

The award, announced in 2025, was presented to Srivastava by mathematician Terence Tao, who is widely regarded as one of the most gifted mathematicians of our time. Tao initially reached out to Srivastava via email, eventually breaking the news of her prize during a Zoom call. Srivastava's response to the news was initially skeptical, but her excitement grew as she realized the significance of the recognition [1].

Srivastava's career has taken her from India to Germany and the United States, where she has continued to make significant contributions to her field. She is currently a visiting research fellow at the University of Edinburgh but plans to return to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to continue her research. Srivastava believes that her early education in India played a crucial role in her success, and she is grateful for the support and opportunities she received from her home country [1].

Her work in mathematics is not without its challenges. Srivastava described the process of solving complex mathematical problems as a form of meditation, likening it to writing a story or poem. She values the independence and freedom that come with her work, which often requires only a pen, paper, and a board and chalk [1].

Srivastava's win is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance in the field of mathematics. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, and her contributions are likely to have a lasting impact on the field of harmonic analysis and number theory [1].

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rajula-rivastava-new-frontiers-prize-harmonic-analysis-number-theory/article69900930.ece