King Harald of Norway has presented the prestigious Abel Prize.

The Abel Prize recognises outstanding contributions to the world of mathematics and is often called the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. The ceremony, held at the University of Oslo, brought together renowned mathematicians, academics, and dignitaries from around the globe.

Professor Luis A. Cafarelli won the award this year and was the first Latin American to be granted the honour. Professor Cafarelli’s research has made it possible to understand what happens when two substances are on the brink.

The Norwegian Academy of Sciences said he was selected as the winner due to “his pioneering contribution to regularity theory for non-linear partial differential equations including free boundary value problems and the Monge–Ampère equation.”

The King presented the Abel Prize before Professor Cafarelli delivered a speech highlighting the importance of mathematics in solving real-world problems.

The ceremony also contained music and several speeches and concluded with a reception for the invited guests.

Established in 2002 by the Norwegian government, the Abel Prize honours exceptional mathematicians for their significant contributions to the field. It was named after the famous Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel. It recognises research and stresses the importance of math. Winners are also granted six million Norwegian kroner.