Dr Segal, who cites Shiing-Shen Chern as a major inspiration, the award recognises a career that has shaped both mathematics and theoretical physics. A geometer and topologist, his early work established foundational results in algebraic topology, particularly homotopy theory, influencing the development of the field.
He later played a central role in building links between pure mathematics and theoretical physics through his work on quantum field theory and string theory, helping to illuminate, in his own words, 'the role of the concept of space in fundamental physics'.
Born in Australia, Segal completed his undergraduate studies in Sydney before continuing his studies at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. He joined All Souls College, Oxford, as Senior Research Fellow, a position he held from 1999 to 2009. He is now an Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, a Fellow of the Royal Society, and a former President of the London Mathematical Society. He was awarded the London Mathematical Society's Pólya Prize in 1991 and the Royal Society's Sylvester Medal for mathematical research in 2010.