Born 14 May 1863; died 9 Aug 1932 at age 69.

#American #mathematician who originated the idea, postumously given his name - for the #FieldsMedal.

It became the most prestigious #award for mathematicians, often referred to as the equivalent of a #NobelPrize for mathematicians.

As a professor at the University of Toronto, he had worked to bring the International Congress of Mathematicians to Toronto (1924). The Congress was so successful that afterward there was a surplus of about $2,500 which Fields, as chairman of the organizing committee, proposed be used to fund two medals to be awarded at each of future Congresses. This was approved on 24 Feb 1931.

He died the following year, leaving $47,000 as additional funding for the medals, which have been awarded since 1936.

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