Solving the Kirkman schoolgirl problem in 1968 marked a shift in design theory for Dijen K. Ray-Chaudhuri. Born in 1933 in Narayanganj, he established a career that bridges theoretical combinatorics and practical applications, such as error-correcting codes, while maintaining a long-standing academic presence within the United States university system and research circles.
Academic Background
Ray-Chaudhuri earned his Master of Science in 1956 from Rajabazar Science College at the University of Calcutta. He subsequently moved to the United States to pursue his Ph.D. in combinatorics, which he completed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959. His early research focus helped shape the foundational landscape for modern binary group codes.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Contribution to Coding Theory
Collaboration remains a hallmark of his career. In 1960, he co-authored a foundational paper on error-correcting binary group codes with R. C. Bose, contributing to the development of the BCH codes. Beyond theoretical research, he served as a consultant for Cornell Medicine and Sloan Kettering, bridging the gap between abstract mathematical design and applied data integrity.
Leadership and International Reach
At Ohio State University, Ray-Chaudhuri served as a professor and chairman of the Department of Mathematics. His influence extended globally through visiting professorships at the University of Göttingen, the University of Erlangen, the University of London, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. He also participated as president for a forum in New Delhi.
Professional Recognition
The Institute of Combinatorics and its Applications awarded him the Euler Medal in 1999 for his extensive contributions to the field. He is a foundation fellow of the ICA and, in 2013, became a fellow of the American Mathematical Society. Other honors include the Senior U.S. Scientist Award from the Humboldt Foundation and the Distinguished Senior Research Award from Ohio State University.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Narayanganj
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: University of Calcutta; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Key Publication: Solution of Kirkman's schoolgirl problem (1971)
- Euler Medal Recipient: 1999
- Fellow of the American Mathematical Society: 2013
- Primary Field: Combinatorics
- Academic Home: Ohio State University
Questions readers ask
What is the significance of the Kirkman schoolgirl problem?
It is a long-standing mathematical puzzle in design theory that Ray-Chaudhuri and his student R. M. Wilson successfully solved in 1968.
Which major coding system bears his name?
The BCH codes, which he developed alongside his Ph.D. advisor R. C. Bose.
Achievements
- Euler Medal — 1999
- Held posts at Ohio State University
- Fields: combinatorics
