A Math Couple Solves a Major Group Theory Problem—After 20 Years of Work
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Summary
In 2003 German mathematician Britta Späth encountered the McKay conjecture, an open problem in group theory, and became consumed by it, dedicating much of her career to it.
In the process she met fellow mathematician Marc Cabanes, and the two fell in love.
Decades later, the pair have solved the enigmatic problem, which says that if you want to formulate a thorough description of a group, you only need to look at a tiny piece of it.
Proving the conjecture had long been an obsession for many in the field, and Späth and Cabanes’ result is the culmination of decades of work.
Their proof has excited fellow researchers, and the couple’s achievement could lead to practical applications of the theory.
But some in the field are already wondering what problem Späth and Cabanes will turn their attention to next.
“If you have done one big thing,” says Späth, “it’s difficult to find the courage, the excitement for the next.
