Andrew Wiles: The Genius Who Waited 30 Years to Speak
He kept a secret for decades—then made mathematical history
Sir Andrew John Wiles is a British mathematician best known for solving one of the most famous and long-standing problems in mathematics: Fermat’s Last Theorem. First conjectured by Pierre de Fermat in 1637, the theorem went unproven for over 350 years and became one of the most iconic puzzles in mathematical history. In 1994, after years of solitary and secret work, Wiles published a proof that not only solved the theorem but also advanced major areas of modern number theory.
Born on April 11, 1953, in Cambridge, England, Wiles showed an early passion for mathematics. His journey from a curious schoolboy fascinated by Fermat’s Last Theorem to an internationally celebrated mathematician is a remarkable story of perseverance, intellectual courage, and creativity.
Over the course of his career, Wiles has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Abel Prize, often regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics”, and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. He has held prestigious academic positions at both Princeton University and the University of Oxford, where he continues to inspire generations of mathematicians.
Wiles’ contribution not only resolved a centuries-old mystery but also reshaped the mathematical landscape, linking fields such as algebraic geometry, modular forms, and elliptic curves. His proof is considered a landmark achievement in mathematics and a testament to the power of human curiosity and persistence.
🎓 Early Life and Education
🧒 Childhood and Family Background
Andrew John Wiles was born on April 11, 1953, in Cambridge, England. He grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment. His father, Rev. Dr. Maurice Wiles, was a noted theologian and academic who later became the Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford. His mother, Patricia Wiles, supported the academic development of the family.
Surrounded by books and academic conversation, Wiles developed an early love for abstract thinking and logical reasoning.
📘 Discovery of Fermat’s Last Theorem
At the age of 10, Wiles encountered a copy of The Last Problem by E.T. Bell at the local public library. The book told the story of Fermat’s Last Theorem, a seemingly simple mathematical assertion made by the 17th-century French mathematician Pierre de Fermat:
“There are no whole number solutions to the equation 𝑥ⁿ + 𝑦ⁿ = 𝑧ⁿ for any integer value of n greater than 2.”
Fermat claimed to have a proof, but none was ever found in his writings. The mystery of the missing proof captivated young Wiles and became a lifelong fascination.
He later reflected:
“It looked so simple, and yet all the great mathematicians in history couldn’t solve it. I thought, this is my chance.”
🏫 Schooling and Early Academic Promise
Wiles attended The King’s College School in Cambridge, a preparatory school known for academic rigor. He later enrolled at The Leys School, an independent secondary school also in Cambridge.
His aptitude for mathematics quickly became evident. Teachers and peers recognized his exceptional ability to solve complex problems and his passion for number theory, even at a young age.
🎓 University Studies at Oxford and Cambridge
In 1971, Wiles entered Merton College, Oxford, to study mathematics. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics in 1974, graduating with high distinction.
He then pursued doctoral studies at Clare College, University of Cambridge, under the supervision of John Coates, a leading expert in number theory. His PhD, completed in 1980, focused on reciprocity laws and elliptic curves, and was titled:
“Reciprocity Laws and the Conjecture of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer”
This research placed him at the intersection of key mathematical areas—elliptic curves, modular forms, and L-functions—that would become central to his future work on Fermat’s Last Theorem.
👨🏫 Academic and Professional Career
🔬 Early Research and Academic Appointments (1980–1985)
After completing his PhD in 1980 under the supervision of John Coates at the University of Cambridge, Andrew Wiles began his academic career as a Junior Research Fellow at Clare College, Cambridge. His early research focused on elliptic curves, modular forms, and Iwasawa theory, key areas in algebraic number theory.
In 1981–82, Wiles was invited to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, a leading center for theoretical mathematics and home to many of the world’s foremost mathematicians. Shortly afterward, in 1982, he joined the faculty of Princeton University, where he would teach and conduct research for over 20 years.
📚 Rise as a Leading Number Theorist
During the 1980s, Wiles gained international recognition for his contributions to number theory. He made significant progress on the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, another unsolved problem involving elliptic curves. His work was characterized by mathematical rigor and technical depth, establishing him as a scholar of global standing.
His research remained closely tied to the major themes of arithmetic geometry, including Galois representations and L-functions—fields that would later prove essential to his proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem.
🤫 Secret Work on Fermat’s Last Theorem (1986–1993)
In 1986, a breakthrough by mathematician Ken Ribet, building on ideas from Gerhard Frey and Jean-Pierre Serre, showed that Fermat’s Last Theorem could be proved if a specific case of the Taniyama–Shimura–Weil conjecture could be verified. This conjecture posited a deep connection between elliptic curves and modular forms.
Wiles realized that his existing research experience placed him in a unique position to attempt this approach. He decided to work on the problem in complete secrecy, fearing premature exposure or competition. Over the next seven years, he developed an array of new mathematical techniques, working alone in his attic office and producing hundreds of pages of dense calculations.
📢 Public Announcement and Resolution (1993–1995)
In June 1993, at a conference at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge, Wiles gave a series of lectures under the modest title “Modular Forms, Elliptic Curves and Galois Representations.” In the final talk, he revealed that he had proved Fermat’s Last Theorem, prompting astonishment and celebration in the mathematics community.
However, later that year, a subtle but serious error was discovered in a key portion of the proof involving the Euler system. Wiles and his former student Richard Taylor spent over a year attempting to resolve it. In September 1994, they succeeded, and the complete, corrected proof was published in the Annals of Mathematics in 1995.
🏛 Return to the UK and Later Roles
Wiles continued teaching and conducting research at Princeton until 2011, when he returned to the United Kingdom. He was appointed Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Oxford, where he founded and directed the Oxford Centre for Diophantine Equations.
In 2018, he was named the Regius Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, a royal appointment created by Queen Elizabeth II. This position cemented his place as one of the most influential mathematicians of the modern era.
🧩 The Road to Fermat’s Last Theorem
📜 A 350-Year-Old Mathematical Mystery
Fermat’s Last Theorem was first stated by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat in 1637. He claimed to have a “truly marvelous proof” that the margin of his book was too small to contain. The theorem asserts:
There are no three positive integers 𝑥, 𝑦, and 𝑧 that satisfy the equation 𝑥ⁿ + 𝑦ⁿ = 𝑧ⁿ for any integer value of n greater than 2.
Despite its simple form, the problem resisted all attempts at a general proof for over three centuries, becoming one of the most famous unsolved problems in mathematics.
🔄 A New Path: The Modularity Conjecture
By the mid-20th century, mathematicians began connecting Fermat’s Last Theorem to modern fields such as elliptic curves and modular forms.
In the 1980s, a key development occurred:
Mathematician Gerhard Frey suggested that if a solution to Fermat’s equation existed, it would produce an elliptic curve with very strange properties.
Jean-Pierre Serre and Ken Ribet further developed this idea. In 1986, Ribet proved that proving the Taniyama–Shimura–Weil conjecture (now the Modularity Theorem) for a certain class of elliptic curves would imply Fermat’s Last Theorem.
This created a concrete goal: if one could prove that all semistable elliptic curves are modular, then Fermat’s Last Theorem would follow as a consequence.
🤐 Wiles’ Secret Work (1986–1993)
Upon learning of Ribet’s proof, Wiles realized that he had the background and experience needed to tackle the problem. He made a bold decision: to work on the modularity conjecture in secret.
Beginning in 1986, Wiles isolated himself from the wider mathematical community, working alone in his attic office in Princeton. He told only his wife, Nada, about the true nature of his work. For seven years, he labored in solitude, developing new tools in number theory, algebraic geometry, and Galois representations.
His goal: to prove that every semistable elliptic curve is modular, thus settling Fermat’s Last Theorem once and for all.
📣 The 1993 Announcement
In June 1993, at a conference at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge, Wiles gave a series of three lectures titled Modular Forms, Elliptic Curves, and Galois Representations. It was only during the final lecture that he revealed his true objective:
He had proven Fermat’s Last Theorem.
The announcement electrified the mathematical world. After centuries of failed attempts, the problem appeared to be solved.
⚠️ A Critical Flaw—and the Fix
Later that year, while the proof was undergoing peer review, a subtle but serious error was found in a key part of the argument involving Euler systems. The flaw threatened to undermine the entire proof.
Wiles worked intensively for several months to resolve the issue without success. Eventually, he reached out to his former student Richard Taylor for help.
In September 1994, Wiles and Taylor discovered a new approach that bypassed the faulty section. The corrected and complete proof was published in 1995 in two papers in the Annals of Mathematics:
Andrew Wiles, Modular Elliptic Curves and Fermat’s Last Theorem
Richard Taylor & Andrew Wiles, Ring-theoretic Properties of Certain Hecke Algebras
Fermat’s Last Theorem was finally and definitively proven.
🏆 A Landmark in Mathematical History
Wiles’s proof was not just a solution to an old puzzle—it marked a major advancement in modern mathematics. It demonstrated the power of connecting seemingly unrelated areas: elliptic curves, modular forms, and algebraic number theory.
His work inspired a new generation of mathematicians and became a symbol of intellectual perseverance. It also brought rare public attention to pure mathematics, including coverage in major media outlets and a documentary film by PBS NOVA titled The Proof.
🌍 Legacy and Impact
🧠 Advancing Modern Mathematics
Andrew Wiles’s proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem is widely regarded as one of the most profound achievements in the history of mathematics. Though the theorem itself was centuries old, the tools Wiles developed to solve it were modern, deep, and technically sophisticated.
His work pushed forward several major branches of mathematics, particularly:
Algebraic number theory
Modular forms
Elliptic curves
Galois representations
The techniques used in the proof, and the collaboration that followed, became foundational in the development of the Langlands program, a grand unifying theory in number theory and representation theory.
🎓 Inspiring Future Mathematicians
Beyond its technical achievement, Wiles’s story became a powerful source of inspiration. His quiet persistence, his years of solitary labor, and his refusal to give up—even when a flaw threatened to destroy his life’s work—have made him a role model for students and mathematicians around the world.
His journey showed that mathematics is not just about formulas and theorems, but about curiosity, creativity, and human endurance.
Wiles’s success sparked a surge of interest in mathematics among young learners. His proof has since been featured in books, documentaries, and curricula intended to foster a love for mathematics at all levels.
🏫 Contributions to Education and Research
Wiles has remained an active and dedicated member of the academic community. At both Princeton and Oxford, he has mentored students, delivered public lectures, and promoted mathematics education. His ability to explain complex ideas with clarity has made him a sought-after speaker for both scholarly audiences and the general public.
As Director of the Oxford Centre for Diophantine Equations, he continues to support research in number theory, creating an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.
🏅 Recognition in the Broader Scientific Community
Though Wiles missed the Fields Medal (often called the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics”) due to its age limit of 40, his achievements have been recognized with nearly every major mathematics prize:
Abel Prize (2016) – often considered equivalent to the Nobel Prize in mathematics
Wolf Prize (1995–96)
Shaw Prize in Mathematics (2005)
Copley Medal of the Royal Society (2017)
In 2000, Wiles was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to mathematics, becoming Sir Andrew Wiles.
📺 Cultural and Media Impact
Wiles’s proof became a rare example of abstract mathematics capturing the public imagination. The story was featured in global media, including:
A PBS NOVA documentary titled The Proof
Articles in The New York Times, The Guardian, and Scientific American
Numerous books and biographies, including Simon Singh’s Fermat’s Enigma
His story helped elevate mathematics in popular culture, portraying mathematicians not as isolated geniuses, but as deeply human figures driven by wonder and passion.
🏅 Awards and Honors
🏆 Recognition for Solving Fermat’s Last Theorem
Andrew Wiles’s proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem earned him international acclaim and a wide array of prestigious awards. While the Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics, is typically awarded to mathematicians under the age of 40, Wiles was 41 at the time of his proof’s publication and thus ineligible. Nevertheless, the mathematical community found many other ways to recognize the significance of his work.
🎖 Major Mathematical Awards
Fermat Prize (1995)
Awarded for outstanding research in number theory, particularly for the proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem.Wolf Prize in Mathematics (1995–1996)
One of the most prestigious international math prizes, shared with Robert Langlands. Recognized for work that opened new directions in modern mathematics.Shaw Prize in Mathematics (2005)
Sometimes referred to as the “Nobel of the East,” awarded for his epoch-making proof and its profound impact on number theory.Copley Medal of the Royal Society (2017)
The oldest scientific award in the world. Given for sustained and exceptional contributions to mathematical science.Abel Prize (2016)
Regarded as one of the highest honors in mathematics, awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. Citation:“For his stunning proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem by way of the modularity conjecture for semistable elliptic curves, opening a new era in number theory.”
🧑🎓 Academic Honors and Titles
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) – 2000
Bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II for services to mathematics. From then on, formally known as Sir Andrew Wiles.Royal Society Research Professor (2011–2018)
One of the highest academic titles in the UK, allowing full-time research with support from the Royal Society.Regius Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford (2018–present)
A royal appointment created by Queen Elizabeth II to honor excellence in academia. The Regius Professorship is a rare and prestigious position.Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences (USA)
One of the highest honors for non-American scientists, recognizing his impact on global mathematics.Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) – Elected 1989
A fellowship of the most eminent scientists, engineers, and technologists in the UK and the Commonwealth.
🎓 Honorary Degrees and Distinctions
Wiles has received dozens of honorary doctorates from universities around the world, including:
Harvard University
University of Cambridge
Université de Paris-Sud
University of Tokyo
ETH Zurich
University of St Andrews
These honors reflect not only his groundbreaking research but also his role as a global ambassador for the beauty and power of mathematics.
📚 Publications and Selected Works
📄 Landmark Papers
The most significant publications by Andrew Wiles center around his proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem. These works are deeply technical but are considered masterpieces of mathematical writing. His main results appeared in the Annals of Mathematics, one of the most prestigious journals in the field.
Wiles, A. (1995). “Modular Elliptic Curves and Fermat’s Last Theorem.”
Annals of Mathematics, 141(3), 443–551.
👉 This is the main paper containing the full proof. It outlines the modularity of semistable elliptic curves and derives Fermat’s Last Theorem as a corollary.Taylor, R., & Wiles, A. (1995). “Ring-theoretic Properties of Certain Hecke Algebras.”
Annals of Mathematics, 141(3), 553–572.
👉 Co-authored with Richard Taylor, this companion paper resolves a critical technical component needed to complete the proof.
These two papers are often read together and are regarded as a high point in modern number theory.
📘 Doctoral Thesis
Title: Reciprocity Laws and the Conjecture of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer
Institution: Clare College, University of Cambridge
Year: 1980
👉 Wiles’s doctoral work dealt with the arithmetic of elliptic curves and set the foundation for much of his later research. Though not directly about Fermat’s Last Theorem, it showed his early interest in deep number-theoretical problems.
📚 Selected Expository Lectures and Articles
Wiles has delivered numerous lectures and written articles aimed at both specialist and general audiences. Some highlights include:
“The Story of Fermat’s Last Theorem” – Public lecture (1997)
Delivered at institutions around the world, this talk explains the historical background and personal journey behind his proof. A version is available on the Clay Mathematics Institute website.“The Proof” – PBS NOVA documentary (1997)
While not authored by Wiles, this acclaimed documentary features him prominently and includes in-depth commentary on his work and life.Interviews and retrospectives in publications such as Notices of the AMS, Nature, and The New York Times.
🧾 Citation Metrics and Influence
Though Wiles does not publish frequently, his key papers have been extensively cited in the mathematical literature and have influenced an entire generation of research in:
Elliptic curves
Modular forms
Galois representations
Arithmetic geometry
The Langlands program
His work is now part of the core curriculum for graduate-level number theory programs around the world.
🧑💼 Personal Life
🏠 Family and Private Life
Despite his global fame within the mathematical community, Sir Andrew Wiles is known for his deeply private and modest demeanor. He is married to Nada Wiles, a former historian. The couple has three children and has lived in both the United States and the United Kingdom during Wiles’s academic career.
Wiles often credits his wife for her support during the long and secretive years he worked on Fermat’s Last Theorem. He has described those years as emotionally intense and intellectually isolating, and acknowledged the importance of having a steady and supportive home life during that period.
🎻 Hobbies and Interests
Outside of mathematics, Wiles has a passion for classical music, particularly chamber music. He is an accomplished amateur violinist and enjoys playing music as a form of relaxation and mental renewal.
Wiles has also expressed an interest in architecture and art, appreciating the elegance and structure they share with mathematics. He is known to value solitude and quiet, preferring reflective environments where deep thinking is possible.
🗣 Public Speaking and Outreach
Though not a frequent media presence, Wiles has given numerous public lectures and interviews since his famous 1993 announcement. His talks are characterized by clarity, humility, and an ability to communicate complex ideas with precision and accessibility.
He has made a point of encouraging young mathematicians and students, often emphasizing the joy of discovery and the importance of patience and perseverance in mathematics.
🙇 Personality and Legacy
Colleagues often describe Wiles as soft-spoken, focused, and intellectually rigorous. He is admired not only for his intellect but also for his dedication, humility, and personal integrity. He is not someone who sought the spotlight—his fame arose not from ambition, but from the depth and elegance of his work.
His journey continues to inspire not only professional mathematicians but also young students, lifelong learners, and anyone who has ever chased a seemingly impossible dream.
📖 Further Reading and Resources
For those interested in learning more about Sir Andrew Wiles, his proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem, and the broader mathematical ideas involved, the following resources offer a variety of accessible and authoritative materials:
📚 Books
Simon Singh – Fermat’s Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World’s Greatest Mathematical Problem (1997)
An award-winning popular science book that tells the story of Fermat’s Last Theorem, the history of attempts to solve it, and Wiles’s eventual success.
👉 Highly recommended for high school and undergraduate readers.Amir D. Aczel – Fermat’s Last Theorem: Unlocking the Secret of an Ancient Mathematical Problem (1996)
A shorter, approachable account with more focus on the theorem’s background and historical significance.
🎥 Documentaries and Videos
PBS NOVA – The Proof (1997)
A widely acclaimed documentary featuring interviews with Andrew Wiles and other key figures. Offers a personal and historical view of the problem and its solution.
🎬 Watch online via PBSClay Mathematics Institute – Public Lectures by Andrew Wiles
Including Wiles’s own talk, The Story of Fermat’s Last Theorem, given for general audiences.
🎓 View lectures on the Clay Mathematics Institute website
📰 Articles and Interviews
“Andrew Wiles: A Profile” – Notices of the AMS (1998)
A detailed professional profile written by fellow mathematicians.The New York Times (1993, 1995)
Coverage of the initial announcement, the discovered flaw, and the final publication of the proof.
🗞 Notable articles by Gina Kolata.Nature and Scientific American
Popular science journals that featured accessible summaries of the mathematical significance of Wiles’s work.
🧑🏫 Academic Sources and Papers
Annals of Mathematics – Volume 141 (1995)
Andrew Wiles: Modular Elliptic Curves and Fermat’s Last Theorem
Taylor & Wiles: Ring-theoretic Properties of Certain Hecke Algebras
📚 [Access via JSTOR or university libraries]
Mathematics Genealogy Project: Andrew Wiles
A record of Wiles’s academic lineage, dissertation, and doctoral students.
🔗 mathgenealogy.org
🌐 University and Prize Profiles
University of Oxford Faculty Profile
Andrew Wiles – Mathematical Institute, OxfordAbel Prize Citation (2016)
Full biography and award citation.
abelprize.noRoyal Society Fellowship
Profile and record of honors.
royalsociety.org
📚 References
All sources listed below are publicly available and/or academically recognized. They support the historical claims, dates, and events detailed in the biography of Sir Andrew Wiles.
📄 Academic Sources
Wiles, A. (1995). “Modular Elliptic Curves and Fermat’s Last Theorem.”
Annals of Mathematics, 141(3), 443–551.
DOI: 10.2307/2118559Taylor, R., & Wiles, A. (1995). “Ring-theoretic Properties of Certain Hecke Algebras.”
Annals of Mathematics, 141(3), 553–572.
DOI: 10.2307/2118560Coates, J., & Wiles, A. (1977). “On the Conjecture of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer.”
Inventiones Mathematicae, 39(3), 223–251.
DOI: 10.1007/BF01403043
🏛 Institutional and Award Sources
Abel Prize Official Site – Andrew Wiles (2016 Winner)
https://www.abelprize.noRoyal Society – Fellowship and Copley Medal Profile
https://royalsociety.orgUniversity of Oxford – Faculty Profile for Sir Andrew Wiles
https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/people/andrew.wilesPrinceton University – Department Archives (Former Faculty)
https://www.math.princeton.edu
📚 Books and Documentaries
Singh, S. (1997). Fermat’s Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World’s Greatest Mathematical Problem.
Fourth Estate / Anchor Books.
ISBN: 978-0385493628Aczel, A. D. (1996). Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Delta Publishing.
ISBN: 978-0385319461PBS NOVA (1997). The Proof. Documentary film.
Directed by Simon Singh.
Available via: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/the-proof
📰 Media and Interviews
Kolata, G. (1993, 1994, 1995). Articles on Wiles in The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.comNotices of the American Mathematical Society (1998).
“Andrew Wiles: A Profile.”
https://www.ams.org/noticesNature & Scientific American – Feature articles on the proof and its implications (1993–1995).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 Who is Sir Andrew Wiles?
Sir Andrew Wiles is a British mathematician best known for proving Fermat’s Last Theorem, a problem that remained unsolved for over 350 years. His work bridged multiple areas of mathematics and earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Abel Prize and a knighthood.
🔹 What is Fermat’s Last Theorem?
Fermat’s Last Theorem states that there are no whole number solutions to the equation 𝑥ⁿ + 𝑦ⁿ = 𝑧ⁿ for any integer n > 2. The theorem was first conjectured by Pierre de Fermat in 1637 and remained unproven until Wiles’s proof in the 1990s.
🔹 How did Andrew Wiles prove Fermat’s Last Theorem?
Wiles proved the theorem by showing that all semistable elliptic curves are modular, a special case of the Modularity Theorem (formerly the Taniyama–Shimura–Weil conjecture). This result implied Fermat’s Last Theorem, thanks to earlier work by Gerhard Frey, Jean-Pierre Serre, and Ken Ribet.
🔹 Why did he work in secret?
Wiles chose to work in secrecy to avoid distractions and competitive pressure. Given the complexity and historical significance of the problem, he wanted to focus without external scrutiny. Only after seven years, in 1993, did he publicly present his proof.
🔹 Did Andrew Wiles win the Fields Medal?
No. Wiles was not eligible for the Fields Medal, which has an age limit of 40. He was 41 at the time of his breakthrough. However, he received many other top honors, including the Abel Prize, the Wolf Prize, and the Copley Medal.
🔹 What is he doing now?
As of 2025, Sir Andrew Wiles is the Regius Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He continues to work in number theory and contributes to mathematical education and research.
🔹 Where can I learn more about his work?
You can explore his work and lectures through:
Oxford University: maths.ox.ac.uk/people/andrew.wiles
Clay Mathematics Institute: Public lecture archives
PBS NOVA Documentary: The Proof
Books such as Fermat’s Enigma by Simon Singh