April 07

Michel Adanson, born in 1727, was a French botanist, entomologist, and mycologist who conducted extensive research in Senegal. He introduced a natural system of plant classification different from Linnaeus, emphasizing overall plant characteristics. Adanson's magnum opus, 'Familles des Plantes', laid groundwork for modern taxonomy and the naming of the genus Adansonia. He also made significant contributions to entomology and mycology. Adanson's interdisciplinary approach influenced naturalists across Europe until his death in 1806.

Hasan Tahsini, born in 1811, was an Albanian polymath whose expertise spanned astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Educated in Istanbul and Paris, he taught at the Ottoman medical school and became the first rector of Istanbul University. Tahsini translated Euclid's 'Elements' into Turkish and produced works on celestial mechanics, promoting modern scientific education. He also engaged in philosophical debates on religion and reason. Tahsini's leadership fostered intellectual growth in the late Ottoman Empire before his death in 1881.

Born in 1817, Francesco Selmi made foundational contributions to colloid chemistry, exploring the behavior of microscopic particles in solution. His systematic studies on coagulation and osmotic pressure advanced understanding of colloidal systems. Beyond science, Selmi was active in the Risorgimento, supporting efforts for Italian national unity. He taught at the University of Bologna, inspiring students in chemistry and nationalism. Selmi's dual legacy of scientific innovation and patriotic commitment endured until his death in 1881.

Holger Pedersen was born in Flensburg in 1867 and studied at the University of Copenhagen. He made significant contributions to comparative linguistics, especially in Indo-European phonetics and grammar. Pedersen published seminal works such as "Grundzüge des indogermanischen Sprachbaues" in 1907. He held professorships in Copenhagen and lectured widely on historical linguistics. Pedersen's research laid foundational principles for modern linguistic theory; he passed away in 1953.

Epifanio de los Santos was born in Malabon in 1871 and earned a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas. He served as a judge and held several government positions during the American colonial period. De los Santos authored numerous historical and biographical works, including studies on Filipino customs and language. His personal library formed the basis of the National Library of the Philippines' rare collections. He passed away in 1927, honored as a foundational figure in Philippine scholarship.

Born in 1904, Roland Wilson became a leading figure in Australian economic and statistical analysis. He served as Commonwealth Statistician for several decades, overseeing the collection of data essential for national planning. Wilson's work helped shape economic policy during the Great Depression and World War II. He published influential studies on labor markets, national accounts, and population statistics. He died in 1996, remembered for his contributions to the development of Australia's statistical institutions.

Feza Gürsey was born in Istanbul and made significant contributions to particle physics and mathematical physics. He specialized in group theory applications to gauge symmetries and conformal symmetries. Gürsey held professorships at Middle East Technical University and Yale University. His research influenced the development of modern quantum field theory. He authored over 150 academic papers and mentored numerous students. Gürsey's work continues to inform studies in theoretical physics.

Robert Metcalfe is an American electrical engineer and entrepreneur best known for co-inventing Ethernet technology. Born in 1946, he helped launch the digital networking revolution by founding the company 3Com in 1979. Metcalfe served as a professor at MIT and the University of Texas at Austin, where he nurtured future technology leaders. He has authored influential papers on networking and served as president of the IEEE. Metcalfe received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for his groundbreaking work. Beyond engineering, he is an active venture capitalist and public speaker on innovation.

Sir David Baulcombe is a British geneticist born in 1952 in Leeds, England. He is renowned for his groundbreaking research on small interfering RNAs and their role in gene regulation and epigenetic silencing. Baulcombe's discoveries have deepened our understanding of plant immune responses and developmental processes. He holds the position of Regius Professor of Botany at the University of Cambridge and leads the Sainsbury Laboratory. Baulcombe has received numerous honors including election as a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Medal. His work continues to shape the fields of molecular biology and biotechnology through publications and mentorship of emerging scientists.

Sir Douglas Kell is a British biochemist born in England in 1953. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Kell's research focuses on systems and synthetic biology, including computational modeling of metabolic networks. He has published over 500 scientific papers and co-founded several biotechnology companies. Kell also served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, guiding the institution through significant expansion and research achievements. His contributions to biochemistry have been recognized with awards such as the Biochemical Society's Colworth Medal. He remains active in scientific advisory roles and industry collaborations.

Tim Cochran was an American mathematician and academic renowned for his pioneering work in knot theory and low-dimensional topology. He earned his doctorate in mathematics and went on to publish influential papers on knot concordance and four-manifold theory. As a professor, Cochran mentored many students and contributed to the development of topological research communities. His career was marked by collaborations that advanced understanding of geometric and algebraic aspects of topology. Cochran passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship that continues to inspire mathematicians.

Brigitte van der Burg studied human geography at Utrecht University, focusing her early career on rural development and environmental planning. Elected as a member of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), she represented The Hague in the House of Representatives for three consecutive terms. In parliament, van der Burg championed issues such as development cooperation, sustainability and global poverty reduction. She combined her academic expertise with political acumen, serving on committees for foreign affairs and infrastructure. Since leaving office, she continues to advise NGOs and academic institutions on geography and international development.