Cumrun Vafa

Cumrun Vafa is an Iranian-American theoretical physicist and the Hollis Professor of Mathematicks and Natural Philosophy at Harvard University. His research spans string theory, quantum gravity, and the interplay between geometry and quantum field theories.

• Born in Tehran, Iran (1960)
• BS in Mathematics and Physics from MIT (1981)
• PhD in Physics from Princeton University (1985) under Edward Witten

His work includes foundational contributions to F-theory, black hole entropy via solitonic states, and geometric engineering of quantum field theories. He has published over 300 articles with collaborators like Robbert Dijkgraaf and Hirosi Ooguri.

Recent research focuses on string dualities, mirror symmetry, and applications to unresolved particle physics problems. His articles emphasize connections between Toda theories, matrix models, and supersymmetric gauge systems.

Notable awards include:

• ICTP Dirac Medal (2008)
• Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics (2016)
• Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2017)
• Mustafa Prize (2021)
• Election to American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2005)
• Election to National Academy of Sciences (2009)

He has advised prominent students such as Freddy Cachazo and Daniel Jafferis. Vafa is also a trustee of the Network of Iranians for Knowledge and Innovation (NIKI).