van der waerden's visit was part of a convergence of mathematicians from all over the world to göttingen, which became a major hub of mathematical and physical research. from 1926 to 1930 russian topologist pavel alexandrov lectured at the university, and he and noether quickly became good friends. he began referring to her as "der noether", using the masculine german article as a term of endearment to show his respect. she tried to arrange for him to obtain a position at göttingen as a regular professor, but was only able to help him secure a scholarship from the rockefeller foundation. they met regularly and enjoyed discussions about the intersections of algebra and topology. in his 1935 memorial address, alexandrov named emmy noether "the greatest woman mathematician of all time".