The research career of Imre Simon culminated in the establishment of tropical mathematics, a field named in recognition of his base in Brazil. A Hungarian-born academic who migrated following the 1956 revolution, he spent the majority of his professional life contributing to theoretical computer science, automata theory, and the development of open collaborative information systems.
Academic Formation
Born in Budapest in 1943, Simon relocated to Brazil with his family. He pursued undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, graduating in 1966. His advanced studies took him to the University of Waterloo, where he earned a Ph.D. in 1972. His doctoral thesis, titled Hierarchies of Events with Dot-Depth One, was completed under the supervision of Janusz Brzozowski.
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Simon held positions at the University of São Paulo and the Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science at the same institution. His work centered on theoretical computer science, specifically within the realm of automata theory. Beyond formal mathematics, he evaluated the influence of information networks on human collaboration. He advocated for open systems, citing Wikipedia as a primary model for such intellectual exchanges.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1979, he received the Prêmio Jabuti. His scientific contributions were further acknowledged with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit. In 2005, the journal RAIRO-ITA dedicated a specific issue to his life and scholarship. Following his death in São Paulo on August 13, 2009—one day before he would have turned 66—the University of São Paulo awarded him the title of professor emeritus.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Budapest
- Died: 2009, São Paulo
- Citizenship: Hungary and Brazil
- Doctoral Advisor: Janusz Brzozowski
- Award: Prêmio Jabuti (1979)
- Notable Recognition: Grand Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit
- Academic Status: Professor emeritus (2009)
Questions readers ask
What is tropical mathematics?
It is a field of mathematics founded by Imre Simon, named to reflect his residence and work in Brazil.
Where did Imre Simon conduct his research?
He was a professor at the University of São Paulo and the Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.
Achievements
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit
- Held posts at University of São Paulo and Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo