Thierry Giordano is one of the finest Canadian mathematicians working in Operator Algebras and Dynamical Systems, and his research encompasses topological dynamics, ergodic theory, tiling theory, von Neumann algebras, C* algebras and random walk theory, as well as theory of infinite-dimensional groups of transformations. Lately, Thierry has also been active in the subjects of applied mathematics and quantum information theory.
Thierry has published papers in the very best journals such as Advances, Inventiones, JAMS, plus many other very good specialized journals (JFA, JOT). Thierry's ongoing collaboration with his coworkers Putnam and Skau (and Matui) is probably the most impressing - his most cited paper (the spectacular 137 citations according to MathSciNet!) is with the same group of coauthors.
Thierry's 1981 doctorate degree is from the Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland, and after a number of fixed-term appointments in Switzerland and Canada, Thierry has settled in a tenure-track position at the University of Ottawa in 1991, where he is now a Full Professor of Mathematics (since 1999) and a Vice-Dean of Science.
Beyond his being a very successful researcher, Thierry is also a very brilliant administrator. He has been dean and vice-dean of the faculty of science at uOttawa, and his devotion to serving the mathematical community through organization of conferences and various research programs is exemplary. In particular, the present close working relationship between the Operator Algebra Group at UFSC and Analysis Research Group at the University of Ottawa is largely due to Thierry's efforts.
Thierry is a regular visitor to Florianópolis, and his talks and mini-courses given here make it clear why he is also considered an excellent teacher and is a winner of major teaching prizes: the presentation is always crystal clear and very inspiring.
In Floripa, Thierry is and will always be considered as one of us, a local.