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Emmy Noether
1882–1935 · Mathematician
A German mathematician whose theorem linked symmetries with conservation laws and whose work transformed abstract algebra. Einstein praised her genius.
“My methods are really methods of working and thinking; this is why they have crept in everywhere anonymously.”
Why is this scientist famous?
Proved Noether's theorem, linking symmetry and conservation laws — a foundation of modern physics.
Noether discovered a deep mathematical connection between continuous symmetries and conservation laws. Her theorem became central to theoretical physics, including quantum theory and general relativity, while her work in abstract algebra transformed modern mathematics.
Emmy's story
Early Life
Born in 1882 in Erlangen, Germany, Noether was the daughter of a mathematician. Initially barred from formally enrolling in university because she was a woman, she audited classes and passed exams. She eventually earned her doctorate in 1907 with a dissertation on algebraic invariants.
Noether's Theorem
After coming to Göttingen in 1915, Noether worked on mathematical problems connected with Einstein's general relativity. In 1918 she published the theorem now bearing her name: continuous symmetries in the mathematical laws describing a physical system are linked to conserved quantities. Time-translation symmetry, for example, is connected with conservation of energy, while rotational symmetry is connected with conservation of angular momentum.
Abstract Algebra
Noether went on to become one of the founders of abstract algebra, developing ring theory and ideal theory. Her approach — studying mathematical structures abstractly rather than through specific examples — transformed how mathematicians think about their field.
Discrimination and Escape
After completing her doctorate, Noether taught and researched at Erlangen for years without a paid university position. When she moved to Göttingen in 1915, rules initially prevented a woman from qualifying formally to teach, so some of her courses were advertised under David Hilbert's name. In 1919 she finally received permission to teach under her own name, and she began receiving modest pay only later. In 1933 the Nazi government removed her from her position because she was Jewish. She left Germany and joined Bryn Mawr College in the United States that same year.
What did they discover?
Noether's Theorem
Published in 1918, Noether's theorem links continuous symmetries in physical laws with conserved quantities and became a fundamental tool in theoretical physics.
Founding Abstract Algebra
Developed ring theory and ideal theory, transforming algebra from the study of specific equations to the study of abstract mathematical structures.
Noncommutative Algebra
Pioneered the study of noncommutative algebras, which became important in quantum mechanics and modern physics.
Amazing facts
Einstein wrote that she was "the most significant creative mathematical genius thus far produced since the higher education of women began."
She worked for years without a paid university position. At Göttingen, before she was formally permitted to teach, some courses were advertised under David Hilbert's name.
She was fired by the Nazis in 1933 for being Jewish and fled to America.
Noether's theorem is now a central result in mathematical physics, linking symmetry with conservation laws.
She was known for being an inspiring teacher and had a devoted circle of students called "Noether's Boys."
She died at 53 from complications following surgery for a pelvic tumour.
Timeline
Born in Erlangen, Germany on March 23
Passed the Bavarian teaching exam but chose to study mathematics at university instead
Attended mathematics lectures at Göttingen as a guest student, then formally enrolled at Erlangen in 1904
Earned her PhD in mathematics from the University of Erlangen
Invited to Göttingen by David Hilbert and Felix Klein and began work connected with general relativity
Published the theorem now known as Noether's theorem
Received the right to teach at Göttingen under her own name
Removed from her Göttingen position by the Nazi government because she was Jewish and moved to the United States to teach at Bryn Mawr College
Einstein published a tribute calling her a genius
Died in Bryn Mawr on April 14, age 53
Awards & honours
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