Maryam Mirzakhani

/mæɾˈjæm miɾzɑːxɑːˈniː/

(Tehran, Iran, 12 May 1977 – Stanford, California, USA, 14 July 2017)

Field: Mathematics, Geometry, Dynamical Systems

Short bio: Iranian mathematician whose groundbreaking work transformed the fields of hyperbolic geometry, dynamical systems, topology, and complex analysis.

Why notable: She was the first woman and the first Iranian to receive the Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics. Her pioneering research addressed fundamental questions about shape, space, and symmetry, while her achievement broke a 78-year gender barrier in the award's history. She remains an inspiring role model for researchers worldwide and a powerful symbol of excellence, creativity, and inclusion in STEM.

More information: Wikipedia