Prof Klemm’s appointment follows the award of over £2M to the University by the Leverhulme Trust through its prestigious Leverhulme International Professorships scheme. The grant will support for 5 years Prof Klemm’s work at TUOS on the research project “Quantum Geometry and Arithmetic”, including a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, until 2030.
Prof Klemm is arguably one of the most distinguished European scholars in the mathematical aspects of high energy physics. He joins Sheffield from the University of Bonn, where he has been a full professor since 2007, having previously held a string of highly prestigious research posts at Humboldt University in Berlin, MSRI Berkeley, the Institute of Advanced Studies in Princeton, CERN in Geneva, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago.
Prof Klemm’s large body of research works has had a profound influence across an enormous spectrum of topics, from number theory and algebraic geometry in pure mathematics, to the dynamics of quantum relativistic systems in high-energy physics. In pure mathematics, his results provided, among other things, the long-awaited proof of a celebrated mathematical conjecture by Fields medallist Shing-Tung-Yau and Eric Zaslow. In mathematical physics, he obtained breakthrough results in the study of topological strings, gauge theory, and Feynman amplitudes, where he has pioneered the use of sophisticated properties of Calabi-Yau motives to calculate high-precision corrections to black hole scattering and quantum effects in field theory.
Prof John Derrick, Vice-President and Head of the Faculty of Science, warmly welcomed the news: “The appointment of Prof Klemm comes exactly at a time when the University of Sheffield delineates a new bold vision for Research Excellence. We view this as research that is not only world-leading in its quality, originality, and rigour, but that also pushes pioneering agendas, with the ambition to challenge conventional approaches and boldly cross disciplinary boundaries through the delivery of new transformative ideas. Prof Klemm’s expertise, track record, and fast-paced research agenda fulfil exceptionally well both of these strategic needs.”
Prof Jeremy Oakley, Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, added: “I am delighted to welcome Prof Klemm to our School. The award of a Leverhulme International Professorship will deliver transformative change to the landscape of our research activities, creating a vastly enhanced platform for the interaction between our areas of excellence in Pure Mathematics and Quantum Physics.”
Prof Albrecht Klemm, the new Leverhulme International Professor of Mathematical Physics, said: “I’m really thrilled to join the University of Sheffield on a Leverhulme International Professorship: the level of freedom and support offered by the Leverhulme Trust is just unparalleled. The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences hosts a Pure Mathematics group at the forefront of modern research in algebraic geometry and mathematical physics, and I very much look forward to joining forces with my colleagues to grow its success even further. Sheffield also hosts important activities in black hole physics and quantum field theory, which is another central thread of my research agenda.”
Professor Anna Vignoles, Director of the Trust, added: ‘The Trust is delighted to support Professor Klemm’s appointment to the University of Sheffield. Bridging the gap between pure mathematics and quantum physics, we look forward to seeing the outputs of such compelling research.”
About the Leverhulme Trust. Founded one hundred years ago, in 1925, the Leverhulme Trust is widely recognised for its commitment to supporting research and education across a broad range of academic disciplines. The Trust has provided grants and scholarships for research and education, funding research projects, fellowships, studentships, bursaries and prizes; it operates across all academic disciplines, the intention being to support talented individuals as they realise their personal vision in research and professional training. Today, it is one of the largest all-subject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing approximately £120 million a year.
The Leverhulme International Professorship, of up to £5M in value, stands out as one of the Trust’s most esteemed and competitive grants. These awards were established by the Leverhulme Trust Board to raise the international profile of the UK higher education sector, ensuring British universities remain competitive in attracting exceptional talent. Only six awards across all disciplines were made in the last and final round of this scheme.