1. Early life and education
Jeong Han Kim's formative years laid the foundation for his future contributions to mathematics, beginning with his birth and early schooling, followed by his rigorous academic pursuits at both undergraduate and doctoral levels.
1.1. Birth and childhood
Jeong Han Kim was born on July 20, 1962, in South Korea. Details of his childhood beyond his birth date and nationality are not extensively documented, but his early environment evidently fostered an interest in complex problem-solving that would later define his career.
1.2. Education
Kim pursued his undergraduate studies at Yonsei University in South Korea, where he specialized in both physics and mathematical physics. This interdisciplinary background provided him with a strong foundation in theoretical and applied sciences. Following his studies at Yonsei, he moved to the United States to further his academic career, earning his Ph.D. in mathematics from Rutgers University, also known as the State University of New Jersey.
2. Career
Jeong Han Kim's career as a mathematician has been characterized by a blend of pioneering research roles in corporate and institutional settings, combined with influential academic positions and leadership in national scientific organizations.
2.1. Early career and research positions
After completing his doctoral studies, Kim embarked on a research career that spanned several highly regarded institutions. He held research positions at Carnegie Mellon University, a renowned private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He then moved to AT&T Bell Labs, a historic center of scientific innovation where he engaged in advanced research. Subsequently, he joined Microsoft Research, the research subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, further contributing to cutting-edge developments in his field. These early roles provided him with exposure to diverse research environments and challenges, honing his skills in combinatorics and computational mathematics.
2.2. Academic positions
Kim transitioned into academic roles, taking on professorships at leading universities. He served as an Underwood Chair Professor of Mathematics at Yonsei University, his alma mater, where he contributed to the education and mentorship of future mathematicians. Since 2013, he has been a Professor in the School of Computational Sciences at the Korea Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS), a premier research institution in South Korea dedicated to fostering excellence in basic sciences. His faculty page at KIAS can be found at [http://kor.kias.re.kr/sub03/sub03_03_02_01_01.jsp?empid=MTA0NjA= KIAS Faculty Page of Jeong Han Kim].
2.3. Leadership roles
Beyond his research and academic duties, Jeong Han Kim also took on significant leadership responsibilities within the South Korean scientific community. In 2008, he was appointed president of the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences (NIMS) of South Korea. In this role, he was responsible for leading national efforts in mathematical research and fostering its application, aiming to advance the country's scientific capabilities. His tenure as president concluded in 2011.
3. Major research and achievements
Jeong Han Kim is widely recognized for his profound impact on the fields of combinatorics and computational mathematics, highlighted by his seminal work on the Ramsey number.
3.1. Research fields
Kim's primary research interests lie in the areas of combinatorics and computational mathematics. Combinatorics is a branch of mathematics concerned with counting, arrangement, and combination, while computational mathematics focuses on mathematical methods used in computation. His work in these fields has significantly advanced theoretical understanding and practical applications, contributing to the broader landscape of modern mathematics.
3.2. Ramsey number proof
His most celebrated contribution to the field is his proof concerning the Ramsey number R(3,t). Ramsey numbers are quantities in Ramsey theory, a branch of combinatorics that deals with the conditions under which order must appear. Specifically, R(k,l) is the smallest integer 'n' such that any graph with 'n' vertices (or its complement) contains a clique of 'k' vertices or an independent set of 'l' vertices. Kim proved that the Ramsey number R(3,t) has an asymptotic order of magnitude of t2/log t. This groundbreaking result provided a more precise understanding of the growth rate of this fundamental mathematical quantity, significantly advancing the field of Ramsey theory. His detailed proof was published in the journal Random Structures and Algorithms.
4. Awards and honors
Jeong Han Kim has received several prestigious awards and honors, recognizing his significant contributions to mathematics and his innovative research.
4.1. Fulkerson Prize
In 1997, Jeong Han Kim was awarded the Fulkerson Prize for his pivotal contributions to Ramsey theory, specifically for his proof that the Ramsey number R(3,t) has an asymptotic order of magnitude of t2/log t. The Fulkerson Prize is an internationally recognized award given jointly by the Mathematical Optimization Society and the American Mathematical Society for outstanding papers in discrete mathematics. This accolade underscored the importance and impact of his work on the global mathematical community. Information about the Fulkerson Prize winners is available through the Mathematical Programming Society.
4.2. Kyung-Ahm Prize
In 2008, Kim was further honored with the Kyung-Ahm Prize. This South Korean award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields, including science, arts, and social development. The prize acknowledged his continued excellence and leadership in the mathematical sciences, coinciding with his appointment as president of the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences.
5. Controversy and resolution
Jeong Han Kim's tenure as president of the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences (NIMS) was affected by allegations of research fund misappropriation, leading to his discharge from the position. This event highlighted discussions around transparency and accountability in public service. In 2011, he was accused of having allegedly misused research funds during his leadership at NIMS. Following these allegations, he was relieved of his duties. However, a subsequent investigation conducted by the prosecution ultimately found him not guilty of the charges. This acquittal reaffirmed the importance of due process and thorough investigation in addressing serious allegations, ensuring that individuals are held accountable based on verified facts rather than unsubstantiated claims.
6. See also
- Combinatorics
- Computational mathematics
- Ramsey theory