Corrado Segre. A life dedicated to training young researchers

Abstract

Segre was one of the most important architects of the “Risorgimento of geometry in Italy”. Under his guidance, in the period from 1891 to 1912, the Italian School of algebraic geometry was consolidated and, in just few years, Italy would assume a leading position on the international scene. Segre’s university courses were a real breeding ground for future researchers. Numerous young mathematicians prepared their degree theses with him on the most advanced sectors of geometry, including G. Fano, B. Levi, F. Severi, A. Terracini, and E. Togliatti. A number of newly graduated students from Italy and abroad, attracted by Segre’s fame, came to Turin to hear his lectures. Among them there were high-profile mathematicians from Italy, including G. Castelnuovo, F. Enriques, G. Scorza, as well as from abroad, such as W. H. Young and G. Chisholm, J. Coolidge and C. H. Sisam. In this paper this period of flourishing of the Italian School of algebraic geometry is illustrated and the significant role of Segre’s lessons in stimulating and fostering the research of his disciples is highlighted, as well as his idea of School.