Harvard University Professor Receives the Inaugural UE Professor Azarian's Prize for Mathematical Reviews
Evansville, Ind. (03/31/2026) — The Mohammad K. Azarian Prize for Mathematical Reviews Reviewers, named after Dr. Mohammad K. Azarian, professor of mathematics at the University of Evansville (UE), was presented for the first time at the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings in Washington, D.C., honoring outstanding contributions to peer review in mathematics. The award, which carries a $5,000 prize, recognizes reviewers whose work demonstrates technical insight, clarity, and service to the global mathematical community.
The inaugural recipient of the Azarian Prize is Dr. Arnav Tripathy, the Benjamin Peirce assistant professor of mathematics at Harvard University, who earned his PhD from Stanford University in 2016. The 2026 prize was awarded to an early-career research mathematician (predoctoral through 10 years post-PhD). Subsequent prizes will honor a contributor for lifetime achievement and a contributor from a nation and institution served by the MathSciNet for Developing Countries program.
The Azarian Prize reflects the remarkable legacy of Dr. Azarian, a lifetime member of the American Mathematical Society (AMS). He is a reviewer for the AMS's Mathematical Reviews (MathSciNet) and the European Mathematical Society's zbMATH Open. Professor Azarian served four years as a Discipline Peer Reviewer for the Fulbright Scholar Program (2015-2018) sponsored by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. He served on the AMS Committee on the Human Rights of Mathematicians (2021-2023), and in 2023, he was the chair of the committee and was the AMS Representative on the American Association for the Advancement of Science Human Rights Coalition.
"His decades of tireless service as an educator, researcher, reviewer, advisor, and editor are truly inspirational," said Doug Allen, AMS associate vice president for development.
"I am grateful to recognize the outstanding reviewers whose work sustains the value of Mathematical Reviews," said Dr. Azarian.
This recognition continues Dr. Azarian's decades-long commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and service at the University of Evansville and beyond. In April 2025, UE announced that Dr. Azarian made history as the first Muslim and the first Iranian American mathematician to have two prestigious mathematics awards named in his honor by the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
The University of Evansville congratulates Dr. Azarian on his enduring contributions to the global mathematical community. For more information about Professor Azarian's scholarly work, visit faculty.evansville.edu/ma3.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
na122@evansville.edu
812-893-5319
Media Attachments
From L to R: President of AMS Ravi Vakil, Mohammad K. Azarian, and Arnav Tripathy.