Carlos Teobaldo Gutierrez Vidalón (1944-2008) stands as a prominent figure in the history of mathematics in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, where he developed most of his academic career. Born in Ayacucho, Peru, Gutiérrez displayed a profound passion for mathematics from a young age, a field that would lead him to become one of the most influential mathematicians of his generation in Latin America.

Gutiérrez began his academic training at the National University of Education Enrique Guzmán y Valle in Peru, an institution known for its focus on teacher training. However, his growing interest in mathematical research led him to attend a summer course organized by Roberto Velásquez in Lima, where he began to explore pure mathematics. This course marked a turning point in his life, steering his interests toward research rather than traditional teaching.

In 1969, thanks to a scholarship from the Organization of American States (OAS), Carlos Gutiérrez moved to Brazil to continue his studies at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA). Under the supervision of Jorge Sotomayor, a renowned Peruvian-born Brazilian mathematician, Gutiérrez completed his master’s and doctorate degrees in mathematics. During his time at IMPA, he made significant contributions to the theory of dynamical systems and the singularities of vector fields, areas in which he specialized and built much of his career.

Gutiérrez was a prolific researcher. He published more than 70 academic papers in prestigious international journals, significantly contributing to the development of the theory of flows on surfaces and the classification of singularities. Throughout his career, Gutiérrez was invited to numerous international research centers, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he collaborated with other distinguished mathematicians.

In 1999, Gutiérrez left IMPA and joined the Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (ICMC) at the University of São Paulo (USP). At this institution, he played a crucial role in establishing and consolidating the research group in Dynamical Systems, which has become a cornerstone of the Brazilian mathematical community.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Carlos Gutiérrez was a dedicated mentor. Over the course of his career, he supervised seven doctoral students and twenty master’s students, many of whom have gone on to succeed in the field of mathematics, perpetuating his legacy. His focus on education and research has left a lasting impact on the institutions where he worked, especially at the ICMC of USP.

In honor of his legacy, the University of São Paulo established the Prêmio Professor Carlos Teobaldo Gutierrez Vidalón, awarded annually for the best doctoral thesis in mathematics defended in Brazil. This prize highlights not only the originality and quality of the research but also Gutiérrez’s impact on the development of mathematics in the region.

The life and work of Carlos Gutiérrez continue to inspire mathematicians in Latin America and around the world. His commitment to academic excellence and his passion for teaching and research made him a leading figure in his field. Through his students and the institutions he helped build, his influence endures, remaining vibrant within the global mathematical community.