#44 Travel, enthusiasm and history: an interview with Don and Silke Zagier Artwork

Living Proof: the Isaac Newton Institute podcast

The Isaac Newton Institute is the world's foremost mathematical research centre. Living Proof aims to highlight the diverse people and interconnected topics linked to its many activities. Interviewees range from visiting academics and lecturers to mathematicians, other scientists, musicians, artists, students, and prominent figures within the University of Cambridge and beyond. The podcast typically involves mathematical themes, but is specifically aimed at a general audience. The focus is on the subjects being interviewed and the social stories they have to tell, not just on the significance and details of the research they may be undertaking. We hope there is interest and inspiration here for everyone.- The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (UK) is an international research centre based in Cambridge, UK. A part of the University of Cambridge, it has been hosting research programmes on mathematical themes since July 1992.Visit > www.newton.ac.uk/news/ini-podcast

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Living Proof: the Isaac Newton Institute podcast

#44 Travel, enthusiasm and history: an interview with Don and Silke Zagier

August 31, 2022 • Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences • Season 1 • Episode 44

Episode published 31/08/22

In episode #44 of Living Proof, Dan Aspel and Christie Marr speak to both Don Zagier and Silke Zagier. Don is a widely respected number theorist and currently and currently "Retired Scientific Member and Director" of the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn. This summer he has been involved in two INI programmes: K-theory, algebraic cycles and motivic homotopy theory and New connections in number theory and physics. Silke, meanwhile, is an experienced administrator and historian of mathematics. Topics covered include their individual life stories, as well as the realities of being a married, travelling couple within the world of academia.

00:00 - Introduction
00:48 - Welcome
01:20 - Involvement in two consecutive INI programmes, travelling together as part of an academic career
06:30 - Being the partner of an INI visitor, the potential for bringing young children
12:20 - How to earn a significant academic reputation ("I just kept getting older and older... and people look up to you because you're still there!")
14:20: Enthusiasm, and the motto "modular forms are everywhere"
16:35: Adjusting to post-pandemic working, the challenges of delayed programmes at INI
18:20: Highlight of an INI visit: to work with such a variety of people, and to visit other institutions (see Talks elsewhere)
24:58: Silke's research into the history of Japanese mathematics during the country's "sakoku" period.