Math and Me - retirement lecture by Jørn Børling Olsson

In his talk Jørn will be looking back on some of the mathematical topics which have interested him in his research and on some of the mathematicians which he had met during his career.

The lecture starts at 14:15 in auditorium 4. Immediately thereafter Jørns colleague, Professor Christian Berg, gives his retirement lecture - and in the period 15:45 to 17:00 everyone is invited to a reception in the lunch room on the 4th floor of the mathematics building (Building E).

Jørn finished his MSc in mathematics from Aarhus University in 1969 and his licentiate in 1973. The following year, he earned a PhD from the University of Chicago.

He had in the years 1969-1975 temporary positions at Aarhus University. During the same period he had study visits at leading universities, including Harvard University, the University of Chicago and University of Warwick.

In the years 1975-1986 he was affiliated with the University of Dortmund, where in 1984 he was "ausserplanmässiger Professor ''. In 1986 he returned to Denmark as associate professor at the UCPH Mathematical Department. In 2007 he became professor here.

Jørns field of research is algebra with emphasis on the theory of finite groups and their representations; a series of his papers contain strong combinatorial and number-theoretic aspects. He is an internationally highly respected researcher in these areas. It has made ​​him a sought after speaker at conferences at universities and research institutions worldwide. He has been a member of the editorial board of scientific journals.

Locally, he has held many important positions. Thus he has been a member of the board of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, President of the Danish Mathematical Society's Library Committee, and president of the local library committee, where he provided an invaluable contribution to all the library's affairs. Moreover, he has been chairman of the Mathematics and Economics Study Board.

He has taught at all levels. He was a very inspiring teacher and has had four PhD-students and about 40 diploma students.

Jørn has many interests both inside and outside mathematics. He has been a co-author of music theoretic articles, for example a work entitled "The mathematical basis for the extended twelve-tone method".

Outside of mathematics, his interests may be summed up in the words: Travel, literature, music and film. Especially in the latter, he has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of film history. These interests may give Jørn extra pleasure in the upcoming retirement!

/ Chr. U Jensen

Professor Emeritus Jørn Børling Olsson’s new office is 04.0.18.