Sir Roger Penrose
Born: August 8, 1932 in Colchester, England
Roger Penrose, Professor Emeritus of Oxford University, is recognized for his discovery of Penrose tilings. Moreover he has made significant contributions to the public understanding of mathematics. To quote the MAA's Mathematics Communication Award, his tilings have "captured the public's imagination" and his "extraordinary series of
books have brought the subject of
consciousness to the public in mathematical terms."
 On receiving the MAA Prize, San Antonio, 2006 |
"If, as this award seems to imply, I have contributed, in some significant way, to the spreading of scientific or mathematical knowledge and understanding, then I am indeed well pleased."
Roger Penrose, January, 2006
A sample of Penrose tilings: 