Academician of Science Arto Salomaa has passed away
Arto Salomaa, Academician of Science and long-time Professor of Mathematics at the University of Turku, was distinguished as an active developer of research fields that have had a profound impact on the development of data processing.
Academician Arto Salomaa (1934–2025) was a pioneer of discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science. Salomaa was also known as an excellent instructor for early-career researchers, and his publications were highly esteemed.
In addition to his most renowned research, Salomaa taught and researched topics such as multi-valued logic, biological computing and – as the first one in Finland – information security and cryptography. Salomaa trained experts who have been instrumental in making Finland one of the leading countries in telecommunications.
“If you are not truly passionate about your subject, you should forget about a career as a researcher," Arto Salomaa said in an interview with the University's Aurora magazine in 2011.
Salomaa served as Professor of Mathematics at the University of Turku in 1966–1998 and as an Academy-funded Research Professor in 1975–1980 and Academy Professor in 1989–1999. He also held visiting professorships at several foreign universities. In addition, he had honorary doctorates from seven foreign universities and two Finnish universities.
In 2001, Salomaa received the honorary title of Academician of Science, the highest honour that can be bestowed on any individual scientist in Finland.
> Research Council of Finland: Academician of Science Arto Salomaa