1947-

French mathematician who was awarded a Fields Medal in 1982 for his contributions to theories on operator algebras (including the classification and structure theorem of type III factors), C^*-algebras, and the classifications of injective factors and automorphisms of the hyperfinite factor. Connes's work in operator algebras has applications to differential geometry, non-commutation integration theory, and noncommutative geometry. His work also has important applications to theoretical physics, especially in the development of mathematical models for quantum mechanical systems.