A personal tribute to Louis Nirenberg: February 28, 1925--January 26, 2020

TL;DR

This paper offers a personal tribute to Louis Nirenberg, highlighting his influential work in geometric analysis, the method of moving planes, and his inspiring character, based on personal experiences and academic contributions.

Contribution

It provides an informal overview of Nirenberg's key mathematical ideas, collaborations, and personal qualities that contributed to his success in the field.

Findings

Discussion of the method of moving planes in geometric problems

Insights into fully nonlinear elliptic equations inspired by Nirenberg

Personal anecdotes illustrating Nirenberg's character and influence

Abstract

I first met Louis Nirenberg in person in 1972 when I became a Courant Instructor. He was already a celebrated mathematician and a suave sophisticated New Yorker, even though he was born in Hamilton, Canada and grew up in Montreal. In this informal style paper I will describe some of his famous papers, some of our joint work and other work he inspired. I will concentrate on some of Louis' work inspired by geometric problems beginning around 1974, especially the method of moving planes and implicit fully nonlinear elliptic equations. I have also sprinkled throughout some comments on his character and personality that I believe contributed to his great success.