January 26

German Lutheran theologian born in 1549 in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland). Known for his hymns, including the enduring hymn 'Set me as a seal upon thy heart.' Served as a pastor and professor at various universities, preaching across Silesia. Founded schools and promoted religious education reform. His writings blended academic theology with pastoral care. Passed away in 1614; his hymns remain part of Protestant worship traditions.

Emil Czyrniański was a Polish chemist and professor who pioneered research in inorganic chemistry in the 19th century. He established one of the first chemical laboratories in Poland at the Jagiellonian University and set high standards for experimental work. Czyrniański authored influential textbooks that shaped chemical education across Central Europe. His research on metal compounds and mineralogy helped advance the understanding of inorganic substances. As a passionate educator, he trained numerous students who went on to become prominent scientists. He is remembered for his dedication to scientific rigor and teaching excellence.

Harry Ricardo (1885-1974) was a British engineer and academic who laid the foundations for modern internal combustion engine design. Born in London, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and developed a passion for engine research. His work on combustion processes, engine knock, and fuel economy led to significant improvements in performance and efficiency. In 1915, he founded Ricardo Engineering, which became a leader in powertrain development for automobiles and aircraft. He served as President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and received numerous honors for his contributions. Ricardo's innovations continue to influence engine technology and automotive engineering worldwide.

Wilder Penfield (1891-1976) was a pioneering neurosurgeon and neuroscientist who revolutionized epilepsy surgery. Born in Spokane, Washington, he trained in medicine and neurology at Johns Hopkins and later in Europe. In 1934, he established the Montreal Neurological Institute and introduced the 'Montreal Procedure' for treating epilepsy. By electrically stimulating the cortex during surgery, he mapped brain functions and created detailed cortical maps. Penfield's work advanced the understanding of brain organization and led to improved surgical outcomes. He received numerous honors and remains a towering figure in the fields of neurosurgery and neuroscience.

Ancel Keys was born in Colorado in 1904 and became one of the most influential nutrition scientists of the 20th century. He led the landmark Seven Countries Study, establishing a link between dietary fat and cardiovascular disease. During World War II, he developed the K-ration, a portable field meal for U.S. servicemen. Keys also researched starvation in war-torn Europe, advising on humanitarian food relief efforts. His work laid the foundation for modern dietary guidelines and public health nutrition. He remained active in research until his death in 2004 at the age of 100.

Dimitrios Holevas was born in 1907 and became both a Greek Orthodox priest and a respected philologist. He specialized in the study of ancient Greek language and literature. Holevas published critical editions and commentaries on classical texts, contributing to Hellenistic scholarship. As a priest, he served parishes while teaching at theological seminaries. His dual career bridged religious service and academic research, influencing both fields. He passed away in 2001, leaving a body of work valued by theologians and classicists alike.

Polykarp Kusch was born in 1911 in Blankenburg, Germany, and later became a U.S. citizen through his groundbreaking work. He earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1955 for his precise determination of the electron's magnetic moment, which confirmed key predictions of quantum electrodynamics. After completing his Ph.D., Kusch held professorships at Columbia University and the University of Illinois, where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of atomic structure and fundamental constants. Kusch published extensively and was recognized for his dedication to both experimentation and teaching. He died in 1993, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century physics.

Hans Holzer was a prolific writer and paranormal investigator who authored over 100 books on ghosts, hauntings, and the occult. Born in Vienna, he emigrated to the United States and conducted groundbreaking investigations into reputedly haunted locations, popularizing terms like 'haunted house.' Holzer combined historical research with mediumship to document spirit phenomena, influencing the rise of parapsychology in popular culture. His works such as 'Ghost Hunters' and 'The Ghost Book' remain influential among paranormal enthusiasts. He died in 2009, leaving a lasting mark on occult literature.

Farman Fatehpuri was a leading Pakistani linguist, literary critic, and scholar specializing in Urdu language studies. He served as a professor and administrator at major universities, including the University of Karachi, where he advanced research on South Asian languages. Fatehpuri authored numerous books and articles on Urdu literature, linguistics, and philology, earning national and international recognition. He contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Urdu language through academic and editorial roles. His work influenced generations of scholars and students in South Asia, cementing his reputation as a pillar of Urdu studies.

Donald Sarason was an influential American mathematician who made fundamental contributions to functional analysis, operator theory, and complex function theory. He introduced the Sarason space in operator theory and worked extensively on Hardy spaces and Toeplitz operators. A professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Sarason mentored generations of students and published seminal papers that shaped modern analysis. His clear expository style and deep insights earned him respect in the mathematical community. Sarason's legacy endures through the theorems and concepts that bear his name.

Susan Friedlander was born on January 26, 1946, in the United States. She received her Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton University, focusing on nonlinear partial differential equations. Friedlander's research has advanced the theoretical understanding of fluid flows, turbulence, and boundary layer phenomena. She has held faculty positions at institutions such as the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago. Throughout her career, she has published numerous influential papers and mentored many students. Friedlander served as president of the Association for Women in Mathematics, advocating for diversity in the field. She has been recognized with prestigious fellowships and awards, including a Sloan Research Fellowship. Her work continues to impact both pure mathematics and applied sciences. Friedlander remains active in research and professional service.

Born in 1947, Les Ebdon trained as a chemist before pursuing a career in higher education leadership. He held research and teaching posts in chemistry and became the first black Vice-Chancellor of a UK university at the University of Bedfordshire. Ebdon also served as Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, promoting equitable opportunities for underrepresented students across England. His scientific background informed his approach to policy-making and academic governance. Ebdon has been recognized for his contributions to both science and educational inclusion, advocating for the transformative power of a university education.