The doctoral thesis titled "Convex Transformations of Random Variables" launched the career of Willem Rutger van Zwet in 1964. A mathematical statistician based in the Netherlands, he contributed to the field through decades of teaching and research at Leiden University, eventually holding significant leadership roles in international scientific organizations and research institutes before his death in 2020.
Academic Progression
Born in Leiden on 31 March 1934, Van Zwet pursued his higher education at the University of Amsterdam. He completed his doctoral studies in 1964 under the academic supervision of Jan Hemelrijk. Following his graduation, he spent time at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica in Amsterdam. His formal tenure at Leiden University began in 1964 when he was appointed as a lector of statistics, and he transitioned to the position of professor in 1968, where he remained until his retirement in 1999.
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Beyond his departmental duties, Van Zwet held several administrative and research leadership positions. He served as the Director of the Thomas Stieltjes Institute of Mathematics from 1992 to 1999. In 1997, he participated in the co-founding of Eurandom, subsequently serving as its director until 2000. Concurrent with these responsibilities, he acted as the President of the International Statistical Institute between 1997 and 1999.
Professional Recognition and Membership
The scientific community acknowledged his output through numerous fellowships and formal honors. He maintained memberships with the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Academia Europaea, the American Statistical Association, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and the Royal Statistical Society. His accolades include the Adolphe Quetelet Medal in 1993 and the Humboldt Prize in 2006. In 1996, the state recognized his service by naming him a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion, and he later received an honorary doctorate from Charles University in 1997.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 March 1934, Leiden
- Died: 2 July 2020, Oegstgeest
- Nationality: Dutch
- Primary Employer: Leiden University
- Doctoral Supervisor: Jan Hemelrijk
- International Statistical Institute President: 1997-1999
- Order of the Netherlands Lion: 1996
- Humboldt Prize: 2006
Questions readers ask
What was the subject of Van Zwet's 1964 thesis?
His thesis was titled "Convex Transformations of Random Variables".
Where did Van Zwet hold his professorship?
He served as a professor at Leiden University from 1968 until his retirement in 1999.
Which major mathematical organization did he lead?
He served as the President of the International Statistical Institute from 1997 to 1999.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion — 1996
- Held posts at Leiden University, Leiden University and Leiden University
