Igor Shafarevich was a Russian mathematician who made many fundamental contributions to the fields of algebra, algebraic geometry and number theory. Amongst his research highlights were contributions to the inverse problem of Galois theory and development of the Golod–Shafarevich theorem as a solution to the class field tower problem.
In group theory, he made contributions to the study of the cohomology of groups, Cartan pseudogroups and Lie algebras, whilst his work on algebraic geometry produced advances in the theory of both elliptical and K3 surfaces. Alongside his research, Igor was highly regarded in his role as an educator.
Igor received many accolades in recognition of his work, including the 1973 Dannie Heineman Prize of the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities. He was also been elected to the membership of a number of prestigious scientific organisations, including the London Mathematical Society, the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, and the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Professor Igor Shafarevich died on 19 February 2017.
