International Mathematical Union Awards

To help unveil winners of the highest honors in the field of mathematics, we partner with the International Mathical Union and the Simons Foundation on globetrotting missions that span several months and continents.

We set out to profile each winner — whose identity remains highly guarded — while concisely and accurately explaining the groundbreaking research in advanced physics, geometry and algebra behind their selection in a lively, relatable way.

Our videos premiere at a highly anticipated awards ceremony held every four years, debut simultaneously on the web, and are often excerpted by broadcast networks worldwide.

Our 2018 project received a Webby editing award and a 2019 platinum award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.

Enjoy examples from the 2018 and 2022 projects below.

Written and produced by John Hubbell. Filmed and co-produced by Lance Murphey. Co-produced by Philip Yam. Anastasia (Stacey) Greenebaum, Simons Foundation co-producer. Score by Jonathan Kirkscey. 2018: Cinematography by Lance Murphey. Edited and illustrated by Jennifer Smart. Meredith Hogan, project manager. 2022: Cinematography by Lance Murphey (USA) and Ariel Salati (Europe). Elettra Fiumi, co-producer. Danielle Lopez-Cecetaite, assistant producer. Ashley Dart, associate producer. Edited by Alessandro Santillo, Ivan Pilato, Etienne Dell Biaggio and Lance Murphey. Illustration team led by Kolin Pope. Jonathan Stilo (Europe) and Kevin Houston (USA), audio.