The publication of Theory of Codes in 1985 marked a significant entry in the academic literature concerning combinatorics on words and the formal structure of information sequences. Born in Paris in 1946, Dominique Perrin has spent his career operating within the intersection of mathematics and theoretical systems, contributing to foundational research that bridges abstract logic with practical application.
Academic Formation and Early Research
Perrin completed his doctorate at Paris Diderot University in 1975. His professional trajectory began with a research role at the CNRS, which he held from 1970 until 1977. During this early period, he also spent time abroad teaching at the University of Chile between 1972 and 1973. This phase of his career established the basis for his subsequent focus on formal language theory and mathematical logic.
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Over the following decades, Perrin held professorships at several French institutions, including the University of Rouen from 1977 to 1983 and Paris 7 University from 1983 to 1993. He concurrently served at the École Polytechnique from 1982 until 2002. His tenure at Gustave Eiffel University and his appointment as president of the university between 1997 and 2002 reflect his long-term involvement in the administration of French higher education.
Contributions to Combinatorics
Perrin is associated with the Lothaire group, a collective of researchers who formalized the study of combinatorics on words. His scholarly output includes three distinct monographs: Theory of Codes in 1985, Infinite Words in 2004, and Codes and Automata in 2009. He has also authored three volumes within the Lothaire series. His publication record includes approximately 50 research articles focused on the theoretical underpinnings of language structures.
Professional Recognition
Since 1989, Perrin has been a member of the Academia Europaea, an international association that promotes excellence in scholarship. In more recent years, his focus has shifted toward institutional leadership, including his service as the President of ESIEE Paris, a position he has held since 2004.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Education: Paris Diderot University
- Member: Academia Europaea (since 1989)
- PhD awarded: 1975
- Primary Field: Mathematics
- Presidential term: 1997–2002
Questions readers ask
What subjects are the primary focus of Dominique Perrin's research?
His research focuses on coding theory, combinatorics on words, and formal language theory.
What specific monographs did Perrin co-author?
He co-authored Theory of Codes (1985), Infinite Words (2004), and Codes and Automata (2009), in addition to three Lothaire books.
Achievements
- Held posts at Gustave Eiffel University
