Jesper Lützen

Jesper Lützen is an academic historian of mathematics at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. He is renowned for his expertise in the history of mathematics, particularly focusing on the period 1800–1950, analysis, and mechanics. His current status as a Part-time Lecturer reflects continued engagement despite his emeritus title.

• Born: October 8, 1951, in Svendborg
• Education:
  • Student exam (mathematical-physical line), Svendborg State School (1970)
  • B.Sc. in Natural Sciences (mathematics major, physics minor), Aarhus University (1976)
  • Licentiate (Ph.D.) in History of Science, Aarhus University (1980)
  • Doctor of Science, University of Copenhagen (1990)

Research Interests: Lützen specializes in the history of mathematical impossibility theorems, ranging from ancient Greek antiquity to modern times. His work spans analysis, mechanics, and the philosophical underpinnings of mathematical concepts. He has extensively explored duality, distributions, and the legacy of figures like Hjelmslev and Juel.

Academic Engagement: His 15 most recent publications (2000–2024) reveal a consistent focus on mathematical history, methodology, and foundational debates. Key themes include distribution theory, geometric philosophies, and historical critiques of mathematical rigor.

Scientific Awards:

• Fyns Stiftstidende’s Forskerpris (1982)
• Børge Jessens Diplom for godt foredrag (1988)
• Det Naturvidenskabelige Fakultets Formidlingspris (2000)
• Det Naturvidenskabelige Fakultets Undervisningspris (2003)

Editorial and Institutional Roles: Lützen has served on editorial boards for Archive for the History of Exact Sciences and Historia Mathematica, and as a committee member in various academic and outreach initiatives. His outreach efforts include lectures for high school teachers, students, and contributions to the Great Danish Encyclopedia.