September 21

Born in 1433 in Le Petit-Bornand, Fichet studied and later taught rhetoric and theology at the Sorbonne. In 1470, he partnered with Johann Heynlin to establish the first printing press in France at the University of Paris. He translated and edited classical works, including texts by Cicero and Seneca, spreading Renaissance humanism. Fichet oversaw the printing of works by renowned scholars such as Poggio Bracciolini. His efforts bridged medieval scholasticism and the emerging humanist movement, influencing France’s intellectual landscape.

Fanny Searls was an American biologist and botanical collector in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She conducted field studies, gathering plant specimens across the United States. Searls' contributions aided scientists in understanding regional flora. She collaborated with prominent botanists to classify and document new species. Her scientific rigor and attention to detail advanced botanical research. Though less known today, her work remains a valuable part of American botanical history.

Heike Kamerlingh Onnes was a pioneering Dutch physicist renowned for studying superconductivity and liquefying helium. In 1908, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his investigations into the properties of matter at cryogenic temperatures. He achieved the first liquefaction of helium in 1908, reaching near absolute zero. His laboratory at Leiden University became a global center for low-temperature research. Kamerlingh Onnes discovered that electrical resistance in certain metals drops to zero at very low temperatures. His work laid the foundation for modern cryogenics and superconducting technologies.

Charles Nicolle was a prominent microbiologist who served as director of the Pasteur Institute in Tunis. In 1909, he identified Rickettsia prowazekii as the causative agent of epidemic typhus, a breakthrough in infectious disease research. His work led to improved prevention and treatment strategies that saved countless lives in North Africa and Europe. In 1928, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this discovery. Nicolle's research laid the groundwork for modern epidemiology and the control of vector-borne diseases. He continued to study tropical illnesses until his death in 1936, leaving a lasting impact on global public health.

Born in Budapest, Dénes Kőnig became one of the earliest researchers in graph theory. He published the first textbook on the subject in 1936, laying foundations for modern combinatorics. König introduced key concepts such as König’s theorem connecting matchings and vertex covers. His work influenced generations of mathematicians and remains central in discrete mathematics. He also contributed to set theory and topology during his academic career.

Henry Beachell was an American biologist and botanist whose pioneering work revolutionized rice production. Born in Iowa, he earned his Ph.D. in agronomy and genetics. At the International Rice Research Institute, he developed high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties such as IR8. His innovations played a crucial role in the Green Revolution, boosting food security in Asia. In recognition of his contributions, he received the World Food Prize in 1996. Beachell's research continues to impact global agriculture long after his death in 2006.

Phyllis Nicolson was an English mathematician and academic noted for her contributions to numerical analysis. Born in Manchester, she studied at Cambridge University during World War II. Together with John Crank, she developed the Crank–Nicolson method for solving partial differential equations. This algorithm remains a standard tool in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Nicolson's research significantly advanced the practical application of mathematical models in engineering. She served as a lecturer and mentor, influencing students until her death in 1968.

John Gofman was a multidisciplinary American scientist and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He co-discovered several radioisotopes and pioneered research on the health effects of low-dose ionizing radiation. His groundbreaking work in lipid metabolism shed light on cholesterol's role in cardiovascular disease. Throughout his career, he authored influential books and papers spanning physics, chemistry, and biology. An early advocate for environmental health, he warned of the dangers posed by nuclear power and radiation exposure. He received numerous awards for his research and remained active in scientific and public policy debates until his death in 2007.

Mario Bunge was a distinguished Argentinian-Canadian philosopher and physicist known for his rigorous approach to the philosophy of science. Born in Buenos Aires, he earned his doctorate in physics before shifting his focus to systematic philosophical analysis. He authored landmark works such as 'The Scientific Image' and 'Treatise on Basic Philosophy', advocating for scientific realism. Throughout his career, he addressed topics in ontology, epistemology, and social philosophy with mathematical precision. He held academic posts at institutions including McGill University and mentored generations of scholars. Bunge's contributions spanned physics, mathematics, ethics, and political theory, earning him numerous international honors.

Donald A. Glaser was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned his PhD in physics at the California Institute of Technology. In 1952, he invented the bubble chamber, revolutionizing the study of subatomic particles and earning him the 1960 Nobel Prize in Physics. Glaser held professorships at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley. Later in his career, he turned to neurobiology, investigating visual perception and biological engineering. His interdisciplinary work bridged physics and biology, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.

Born in 1940 in Vienna, Hermann Knoflacher is a professor of spatial planning at the Vienna University of Technology. He pioneered research on sustainable mobility, critiquing car-dependent urban designs and advocating for walkable cities. Knoflacher introduced the concept of the 'Walkmobile' to demonstrate the spatial impact of cars, sparking global discussions on public space. His numerous publications and lectures have influenced urban planners and policymakers worldwide. As an advisor to the European Union and various governments, he continues to promote environmental and human-centered transport solutions.

Marcus Binney is an English historian and author specializing in architectural conservation and heritage preservation. He co-founded the Victorian Society and has led campaigns to save historic buildings from demolition across the United Kingdom. Binney has written extensively on British architecture, publishing books such as 'Secret Bankside' and 'The Open Sky.' As Executive President of Save Britain’s Heritage, he has influenced public policy and raised awareness of the cultural value of historic sites. His work combines rigorous historical research with passionate advocacy, earning him honors from preservation societies. Binney remains a leading voice in preserving national heritage and educating future generations about architectural history.