Nikolai Makarov

Nikolai Makarov is a Professor in the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He has been affiliated with Caltech since 1991, initially as a Visiting Professor, then as a Professor until 2013, and subsequently as the Richard Merkin Distinguished Professor of Mathematics.

• Education: B.A. from Leningrad University (1982), Ph.D. from LOMI Mathematics Institute (Leningrad, 1986)

Research Interests:
Nikolai Makarov specializes in Complex Analysis and its intersections with Potential Theory, Harmonic Analysis, and Spectral Theory. His recent work explores advanced topics such as:

• Topology of quadrature domains and Hele-Shaw flows
• Uncertainty principles in non-linear Fourier transforms
• Universality laws in normal random matrix ensembles
• Dynamics of Schwarz reflection via Kleinian groups and rational maps
• Classical function theory on compact Riemann surfaces using Liouville conformal field theory

Scientific Recognition:

• Richard Merkin Distinguished Professor of Mathematics (2013–present)

Academic Leadership and Grants:
Makarov has held continuous academic positions at Caltech since 1991, transitioning from Visiting Professor to Distinguished Professor. His research bridges pure mathematics and theoretical physics, with applications to conformal field theory, random matrix theory, and dynamical systems.