Mehdi Behzad

Mehdi Behzad introduced the total coloring theory during his doctoral studies in 1965, establishing a mathematical problem that remains unresolved today. Born in Iran in 1936, he emerged as a central figure in the institutionalization of basic sciences within his home country while maintaining a prolific international academic career in graph theory.

Academic Contributions to Graph Theory

Behzad's primary research focus centers on graph theory, a field in which he produced significant instructional materials. In 1971, he coauthored Introduction to the Theory of Graphs, followed by Graphs & Digraphs in 1979. These texts served as fundamental references for the discipline during its formative period. His 1965 doctoral work at Michigan State University, titled Graphs and Their Chromatic Numbers, introduced the total chromatic number conjecture, often referred to as Behzad's conjecture. This problem remains a classic challenge in modern mathematics, engaging researchers for over five decades.

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Professional Appointments and Research

His academic path includes faculty positions at Western Michigan University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Sharif University of Technology, formerly known as Arya-Mehr University of Technology. He achieved the distinction of being the first faculty member at the latter institution to be promoted to full professor. During the 1974–75 academic year, he served as a Senior Fulbright Scholar at Michigan State University and MIT, with research funding provided by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Although he retired from university teaching in 1981 at age 45, he continued his involvement in scientific administration.

Institutional Development in Iran

Behzad played an executive role in establishing scientific infrastructure in Iran. From 1975 to 1979, he was the first secretary general of the Imperial Iranian Academy of Sciences. He served as the inaugural president of the Iranian Mathematical Society, leading the organization between 1971 and 1973, and again from 1997 to 2003. Additionally, he acted as vice chancellor at Reza Shah-e-Kabir University from 1976 to 1979, an institution designed to admit doctoral candidates in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and anthropology through collaboration with Harvard University.

Popularization and Public Engagement

Beyond specialized research, Behzad prioritized the accessibility of mathematics to the public. He coauthored the textbook Pre-University Discrete Mathematics, now used in Iranian high schools, and translated two calculus texts into Persian. His efforts also extended to creative outreach, such as the play script The Legend of the King and the Mathematician, which received an endorsement from the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO for integrating indigenous culture with mathematics. The Iranian Mathematical Society honors his legacy through the Dr. Mehdi Behzad Award, presented annually for leadership in mathematics advancement.