The pure maths technique you are thinking about is the Monster group [1]. Sadly, I don't recall the names of the two researchers involved in the chance meeting.

The pure maths technique you are thinking about is the Monster group [1]. Sadly, I don't recall the names of the two researchers involved in the chance meeting. [1] https://www.quantamagazine.org/mathematicians-chase-moonshine-string-theory-connections-20150312/ https://www.quantamagazine.org/mathematicians-chase-moonshin...