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THE MILLENNIUM PRIZE PROBLEMS The institute is best known for its establishment on May 24 , 2000 of the Millennium Prize problems. These seven problems are considered by CMI to be "important classic questions that have resisted solution over the years". The first person to solve each problem will be awarded $1,000,000 by CMI - thus solving all the problems will amount to $7,000,000. In announcing the prize, CMI drew a parallel to Hilbert's Problems , which were proposed in 1900 , and had a substantial impact on 20th Century mathematics. Of the initial twenty-three Hilbert problems, the only one which is still unsolved (or unproven) is the Riemann hypothesis, which was formulated in 1859 and is today one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems. The seven Millennium Prize problems are:
P versus NP See Also: complexity classes P and NP The question is whether there are any problems for which a computer can verify a given solution quickly, but cannot find the solution quickly. This is generally considered the most important open question in Theoretical Computer Science . The Hodge conjecture The Hodge Conjecture is that for Projective Algebraic Varieties , Hodge Cycle s are rational Linear Combination s of Algebraic Cycle s. The Poincaré conjecture In Topology , a sphere with a two-dimensional surface is essentially characterized by the fact that it is Simply Connected . The Poincaré Conjecture is that this is also true for spheres with three-dimensional surfaces. The question has been solved for all dimensions above three. Solving it for three is central to the problem of classifying 3-manifolds. A solution to this conjecture has been proposed by Grigori Perelman ; while still not formally published, there does appear to be a growing consensus that the argument is largely correct. The Riemann hypothesis The Riemann Hypothesis is that all nontrivial zeros of the Riemann Zeta Function have a real part of 1/2. A proof or disproof of this would have far-reaching implications in Number Theory , especially for the distribution of Prime Number s. This was Hilbert's Eighth Problem , and is still considered an important open problem a century later. Yang-Mills existence and mass gap In physics, Quantum Yang-Mills Theory describes particles with positive mass having classical waves traveling at the speed of light. This is the Mass Gap . The problem is to establish the existence of the Yang-Mills theory and a mass gap. Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness The Navier-Stokes Equations describe the movement of liquids and gases. Although they were found in the 19th century, they still are not well understood. The problem is to make progress toward a mathematical theory that will give us insight into these equations. The Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture The Birch And Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture deals with a certain type of equation, those defining Elliptic Curve s over the Rational Number s. The conjecture is that there is a simple way to tell whether such equations have a finite or infinite number of rational solutions. Hilbert's Tenth Problem dealt with a more general type of equation, and in that case it was proven that there is no way to decide whether a given equation even has any solutions. OTHER ACTIVITIES Besides the Millennium Prize Problems, the Clay Mathematics Institute also supports mathematics via the awarding of research fellowships (which range from two to five years, and are aimed at younger mathematicians), as well as shorter-term scholarships for programs, individual research, and book writing. The Institute also has a yearly Clay Research Award , recognizing major breakthroughs in mathematical research. Finally, the Institute also organizes a number of summer schools, conferences, workshops, public lectures, and outreach activities aimed primarily at junior mathematicians (from the high school to postdoctoral level). REFERENCE
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