N.J. mathematician who changed how we use computers splits $880K top math prize Updated Mar 17, 2021; Posted Mar 17, 2021 Avi Wigderson, of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, was named a recipient of the 2021 Abel Prize along with László Lovász, a former visiting professor at the institute. (Dan Komoda | Institute for Advanced Study) Facebook Share Two mathematicians whose complex work in pure mathematics has led to real world changes in how we use computers were awarded the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in mathematics Wednesday, capping off their extraordinary careers. Avi Wigderson, of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and László Lovász, of Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, were named the 2021 winners of the Abel Prize. The award from the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters is considered the top yearly prize in the field because the Nobel Prize does not have a mathematics category.