Rate Professor Nalini Joshi

Professional Summary: Professor Nalini Joshi

Professor Nalini Joshi is a distinguished mathematician and academic at the University of Sydney, Australia. With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the areas of integrable systems and nonlinear differential equations. Her work bridges theoretical mathematics with real-world applications, earning her international recognition and numerous accolades.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Joshi holds an impressive academic record, having completed her education at prestigious institutions:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematics, University of Sydney
• Master of Arts in Mathematics, Princeton University, USA
• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Princeton University, USA (1987)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Joshi specializes in integrable systems, a field of mathematics that explores systems of equations with exact solutions. Her research interests include:

• Nonlinear differential and difference equations
• Geometric and asymptotic methods in mathematics
• Applications of mathematics in physics and other sciences

Her work often focuses on the Painlevé equations, a set of nonlinear differential equations with significant applications in mathematical physics.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Joshi has held numerous academic and leadership positions throughout her career:

• Professor of Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney (2002–present)
• Director, Centre for Mathematical Biology, University of Sydney (2006–2009)
• Head of School, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney (2007–2010)
• Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellow, Australian Research Council (2012–2017)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Joshi has received widespread recognition for her contributions to mathematics and academia:

• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to mathematical science and tertiary education (2016)
• Australian Research Council Georgina Sweet Laureate Fellowship (2012)
• Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (2008)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales (2015)
• Hardy Fellowship, London Mathematical Society (2015)

Key Publications

Professor Joshi has authored and co-authored numerous influential papers and books in her field. Some notable works include:

• The Painlevé Handbook (co-authored with A.R. Its), Springer (2006)
• 'Discrete Painlevé Equations,' Cambridge University Press (2019)
• 'Asymptotic behavior of the discrete holomorphic map z → z^2 + c,' Journal of Nonlinear Mathematical Physics (2001)
• 'Existence and stability of traveling waves in discrete integrable systems,' Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena (2005)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Joshi’s research on integrable systems and Painlevé equations has had a profound impact on both theoretical mathematics and applied sciences. Her work has provided critical insights into the behavior of nonlinear systems, influencing areas such as quantum physics and fluid dynamics. Beyond research, she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, particularly for women in mathematics, and has mentored numerous students and early-career researchers.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Joshi is actively involved in the broader mathematical community through various roles and engagements:

• Chair of the National Committee for Mathematical Sciences, Australian Academy of Science (2016–2019)
• Co-founder of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative to address gender inequality in STEM
• Invited speaker at numerous international conferences, including the International Congress of Mathematicians (2018)
• Editorial board member for several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Nonlinear Mathematical Physics

Her public lectures often focus on making complex mathematical concepts accessible to broader audiences, further enhancing her influence as an educator and communicator.