Memories of Ian G. Macdonald

TL;DR

This paper reviews Ian G. Macdonald's significant mathematical contributions, especially his work on Macdonald polynomials during 1985-1995, and provides personal insights into his character.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive overview of Macdonald's key results and highlights the interactions between his work and the authors' research during a pivotal decade.

Findings

Summary of Macdonald's influential results

Analysis of his impact on the mathematical community

Personal reflections on Macdonald's character

Abstract

This is a slightly edited translation of a paper in Dutch which appeared in Nieuw Archief voor Wiskunde (5) 25 (2024), No.2, 87-90 on the occasion of I.G. Macdonald's death in 2023, and aimed at a very broad mathematical audience. First we review some of Macdonald's most important older results. Then we focus on the period 1985-1995 when Macdonald often visited the Netherlands and there was much interaction between his work, notably the Macdonald polynomials, and the work by the authors. We end with some glimpses about Macdonald as a person.