Eric M. Friedlander

Eric M. Friedlander is a distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Southern California (USC), holding the Dean’s Professorship in Mathematics. He also serves as the Henry S. Noyes Professor of Mathematics (emeritus) at Northwestern University. His roles include Chair of the U.S. National Committee/Mathematics and former President of the American Mathematical Society (2011–2013). Friedlander earned his B.A. from Swarthmore College (1965) and Ph.D. from MIT (1970). His research focuses on algebraic geometry, algebraic K-theory, representation theory, and cohomology of groups, with over 100 publications and significant editorial contributions to journals like the Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra.

His awards include the Humboldt Senior Scientist Research Prize (1996–1998), Fellowship in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2005), and the Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (2012). Friedlander has advised numerous Ph.D. students at both USC and Northwestern, and his service includes leadership in academic committees, editorial boards, and international conferences.

Key contributions include foundational work on support varieties for algebraic groups, cohomology of infinitesimal groups, and motivic cohomology. His grants include NSF support and Simons Foundation funding, reflecting sustained research impact. Friedlander’s academic activities span editorial roles, conference organization, and transformative initiatives in mathematics education through TPSE Math.