Theoretical physicist Sylvester James (Jim) Gates is known for his contribution to supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory.

He is co-author of several books in the field (e.g. Superspace), and he engages with video documentaries.

Among other awards and recognitions, in 2013, Sylvester Jim Gates received the U.S. National Medal of Science “for his contribution to the mathematics of supersymmetry in particle, field, and string theories and his extraordinary efforts to engage the public on the beauty and wonder of fundamental physics.”