Trinity student awarded 2026 Hamilton Prize in Mathematics

Posted on: 21 October 2026

Hamilton Day commemorates one of Trinity’s most influential scientists, William Rowan Hamilton, who famously discovered quaternions on 16 October 1843.

The prestigious undergraduate prize is awarded each year to the top undergraduate mathematics students in their final year of study, as nominated by their universities. On the same day, the RIA hosts the 2026 Hamilton Lecture, which was this year delivered by Fields Medallist Professor James Maynard.

Artem Tarasenko from Trinity, with family members and Professor Katrin Wendland, Head of School of Mathematics (far right).

In recognition of their mathematical excellence, the students each received a cash prize and a certificate of achievement. They also attended an exclusive masterclass with Professor James Maybard, which was hosted by Ibec, sponsors of Hamilton Day.

For this year’s lecture Prof. James Maynard delved into “The mysteries of prime numbers,” exploring why prime numbers are vital, both in pure mathematics and in the real world, and how current mathematics is able to make progress on some of the key questions which have occupied mathematicians going back to the ancient Greeks.

During the ceremony, Prof. Dan Carey, President of the Royal Irish Academy, said: “Each year since 2002 the Royal Irish Academy has commemorated Hamilton’s ‘Eureka moment’ and his contribution to mathematics by celebrating Hamilton Day. We do this because Ireland has a rich history of scientific excellence that should be celebrated and recognised.”

• Tags:
• Awards and Funding
• Research
• Science
• Students