2026 Barbara and Jaroslav Zemánek Prize in functional analysis is awarded to David Jekel
David Jekel of the University of Ottawa has been awarded the 2026 Barbara and Jaroslav Zemánek Prize for his contributions to free probability, non-commutative optimal transport and operator algebras.
The Barbara and Jaroslav Zemánek Prize in functional analysis with emphasis on operator theory for 2026 is awarded to David Jekel (University of Ottawa) in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to free probability, non-commutative optimal transport and operator algebras. The jury especially appreciated his proof of SOT-contractibility of the unitary groups of II₁ factors, as well as his important work on free entropy and its connections with model theory.
Following a generous donation from the Zemánek family, the annual Zemánek Prize was founded by the Institute of Mathematics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IMPAN) in March 2018 to encourage research in functional analysis, operator theory and related topics. The Prize promotes young mathematicians under 35 years of age who have made important contributions to the field.
The award ceremony will take place at IMPAN in Warsaw in autumn 2026.
More information about the Prize can be found on the IMPAN webpage.
Tweet Share