Last Updated:October 08, 2026, 09:46 IST

Prof Mahesh Kakde’s research focuses on algebraic number theory, a field that uses algebraic methods to study numbers and their relationships.

Professor Mahesh Kakde is a professor in the Department of Mathematics at IISc Bengaluru. (Image: math.iisc.ac.in/File Photo)

Mahesh Kakde, a mathematics professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has won the Ramanujan Prize 2026 for his research in algebraic number theory. The prestigious award recognises young mathematicians from developing countries for outstanding contributions to mathematics.

Kakde’s research focuses on algebraic number theory, a field that uses algebraic methods to study numbers and their relationships.

Kakde’s main research area is Iwasawa theory. His work includes important results in non-commutative Iwasawa theory, as well as research related to the Gross-Stark and Brumer-Stark conjectures.

His research also connects with David Hilbert’s 12th problem. In 1900, German mathematician David Hilbert presented 23 major unsolved problems in mathematics. The 12th problem focused on understanding certain extensions of number fields. Kakde’s work has contributed to research in this area.

“I am interested in number theory. My research is motivated by conjectures on special values of L-functions, more precisely, by the Bloch-Kato conjectures. My work is mainly in Iwasawa theory, both classical as well as noncommutative Iwasawa theory. My research is supported by Tata Education and Development Trust,” states the official IISc website.

Kakde is a professor in the Department of Mathematics at IISc Bengaluru. He studied mathematics at the Indian Statistical Institute and later completed his Master’s degree and PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 2008. His doctoral supervisor was renowned mathematician John Coates.

The Ramanujan Prize is among several major honours received by Kakde. His previous recognitions include the Infosys Prize in Mathematical Sciences in 2022, the Whitehead Prize of the London Mathematical Society in 2023, the Frontiers of Science Award in 2023 and the National Science Award in 2024. He was also elected a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences in 2023.

The Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries is jointly awarded by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU). Established in 2005, the award recognises outstanding research by mathematicians under the age of 45 working in developing countries. The prize carries an award of $10,000.

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What is the Ramanujan Prize 2026 and why did Mahesh Kakde win it?

Mahesh Kakde, a mathematics professor at IISc Bengaluru, won the Ramanujan Prize 2026 for his outstanding research in algebraic number theory, particularly in noncommutative Iwasawa theory and the Gross-Stark and Brumer-Stark conjectures.

What academic background does Mahesh Kakde have?

Kakde studied at the Indian Statistical Institute and earned his PhD in pure mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 2008 under doctoral supervisor John Coates. He later worked at Princeton University, University College London, and King’s College London before joining IISc as a professor in 2019.

What is the Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries?

Established in 2005 and jointly awarded by the ICTP and the IMU, the Ramanujan Prize recognizes outstanding research by mathematicians under 45 working in developing countries and comes with a $10,000 award.

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