Paths to Math: Kalyani Kansal | Institute for Advanced Study

This installment of the “Paths to Math” series features Kalyani Kansal, Member (2023–24) in the Institute’s School of Mathematics. Watch to hear Kalyani, an algebraic number theorist, describe her fascination with the “patterns” of the Langlands Program. The Langlands Program is a series of conjectures first described in a January 1967 letter from Robert P. Langlands, Professor Emeritus in the Institute’s School of Mathematics, to André Weil, who also served as a Professor in the School (1958–98). She also discusses the interesting commonalities between mathematics and detective stories and the importance of diversity and representation in the field. “Paths to Math” chronicles the academic journeys of individual scholars from the Institute for Advanced Study, highlighting the moments that ignited their passion for math. With each unique story, this series celebrates the universality of mathematics and the inclusive community of practitioners at IAS, spanning a deep array of backgrounds, interests, geography, ethnicity, and gender. “Paths to Math” is produced by OFC (ofc.tv)