March 31

After studying at Leiden University, Pieter Burman became a professor of eloquence and history. He produced influential critical editions of authors such as Virgil, Horace, and Propertius, setting new standards for textual scholarship. Burman's attention to linguistic detail and manuscript variants advanced the field of philology. He corresponded with leading scholars across Europe, contributing to intellectual exchanges in the Republic of Letters. His published commentaries provided insights into classical culture and literary history. Burman mentored a generation of humanists, ensuring the continuation of rigorous classical studies. His work laid foundational principles for modern textual criticism and classical education.

Antoine Augustin Cournot (1801–1877) was a pioneering French mathematician, economist, and philosopher whose work laid the foundations for modern game theory and economic analysis. In his groundbreaking book The Mathematical Principles of the Theory of Wealth (1838), he introduced the concept of oligopoly markets and strategic interdependence. Cournot also made significant contributions to probability theory, topology, and descriptive geometry. His philosophical writings explored determinism and methodology, reflecting his belief in a rigorous scientific approach to social phenomena. Serving as a professor at the University of Lyon, he combined teaching with research that influenced both economics and mathematics. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, Cournot's ideas gained recognition in the late 19th and 20th centuries as cornerstones of microeconomics and applied mathematics. His interdisciplinary legacy continues to shape economic thought and mathematical inquiry.

Emil von Behring (1854–1917) was a pioneering German scientist whose research revolutionized immunology and the treatment of infectious diseases. He developed the first effective antitoxin serum for diphtheria, earning him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901. Behring's work laid the groundwork for passive immunization and influenced vaccine development for tetanus and other illnesses. Working at the Robert Koch Institute, he collaborated with leading microbiologists to explore immune responses to bacterial toxins. Promoted to professor of hygiene and immunology, he trained a generation of researchers who advanced medical science worldwide. His legacy endures in modern immunotherapy and preventive medicine, saving countless lives.

Born in 1881 in Höchst, Germany, he studied chemistry at the University of Munich. Under the mentorship of Adolf von Baeyer, he pursued research in organic chemistry. He elucidated the structures of hemin, a component of hemoglobin, and chlorophyll. In 1930, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for these discoveries. He held professorships and published influential papers on porphyrin compounds. His findings advanced understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. He died on March 31, 1945, enduring as a pioneer in bioorganic chemistry.

Charles Herbert Best was a Canadian physiologist and biochemist renowned for his pivotal role in discovering insulin in 1921. He partnered with Frederick Banting at the University of Toronto to isolate and purify the hormone, offering the first effective treatment for diabetes. Their breakthrough transformed a fatal disease into a manageable condition, earning Banting the Nobel Prize and cementing Best's scientific legacy. Beyond insulin, Best conducted influential research in physiology and nutrition and served as a professor, mentoring future generations of scientists. He contributed to medical advancements during and after World War II, including work on medical equipment and antibiotics. Best's dedication left an enduring impact on medical science, and insulin remains a cornerstone of diabetes treatment worldwide.

Theofylaktos Papakonstantinou was a prominent Greek historian, columnist, and political analyst known for his incisive social commentary. He wrote extensively on modern Greek politics, combining rigorous historical research with accessible journalism. Papakonstantinou's columns in leading newspapers offered critical insights into governmental policy and social change. He authored several historical studies, illuminating the roots of contemporary Greek society and national identity. Throughout his career, he was respected for balancing scholarly depth with public engagement. His work influenced both academic circles and general readers, leaving a lasting legacy in Greek historical analysis.

Dante Giacosa was chief engineer at Fiat, designing iconic models like the Fiat Topolino, 500, and 600. Born in Rome in 1905, he joined Fiat's engineering department in 1937. His pioneering transverse engine front-wheel-drive layout became a blueprint for modern small cars. The Fiat 500, introduced in 1957, became a cultural icon known for its efficiency and charm. Giacosa also contributed to safety and ergonomics in vehicle design. Over his career, he held leadership roles overseeing technical development. His ideas influenced countless automotive engineers worldwide. He passed away in 1996, leaving a lasting legacy in automotive engineering.

Yuri Valentinovich Knorozov was born in 1922 and became a leading expert in Mayan epigraphy. In 1952, he published a breakthrough paper demonstrating that Mayan glyphs represent phonetic symbols. His work challenged prevailing theories and unlocked the ancient Mayan writing system. Knorozov's analysis enabled historians and archaeologists to read Maya inscriptions accurately. He held research positions at the Soviet Academy of Sciences and lectured internationally. Despite Cold War tensions, his scholarship gained global recognition and influenced Mesoamerican studies. Knorozov received numerous awards, including the Order of the Aztec Eagle from Mexico. He passed away in 1999, celebrated as a pivotal figure in deciphering ancient civilizations.

Clifford G. Shull was born in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1915. He pursued his Ph.D. at MIT, focusing on neutron diffraction techniques. In 1946, he joined the MIT faculty and developed methods to probe material structures using neutrons. His collaborative work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1994 alongside Bertram Brockhouse. Shull's research laid the foundation for modern materials science and solid-state physics. He authored over 100 scientific papers and mentored generations of physicists. He passed away in 2001 at age 86, leaving a profound impact on experimental physics.

Carlos J. Gradin was born in 1913 in Buenos Aires. He studied anthropology and led excavations across Patagonia beginning in the 1950s. Gradin pioneered systematic documentation of prehistoric rock paintings and engravings. He directed the National Institute of Anthropology and Latin American Thought (INAPL). His publications on hunter-gatherer societies reshaped understanding of South American prehistory. Gradin trained numerous archaeologists and promoted heritage conservation. He died in 2002 at age 89, remembered for safeguarding Argentina's ancient art.

Harold Scott MacDonald Coxeter was born in London in 1907. A professor at the University of Toronto, he became a leading geometer. Coxeter made groundbreaking contributions to the theory of polytopes and reflection groups. He authored the classic text 'Regular Polytopes', used by mathematicians worldwide. His work influenced fields from crystallography to theoretical physics. Knighted in 1997, he received numerous awards for his lifelong achievements. He passed away in 2003 at age 96, leaving an indelible mark on mathematics.

Stanley J. Korsmeyer was born in Minneapolis in 1951. He studied medicine at the University of Minnesota and trained in oncology. Korsmeyer discovered the role of the BCL-2 gene family in apoptosis and cancer. He served as director of research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MIT. His work transformed cancer treatment approaches and targeted therapies. He published over 200 research articles and mentored numerous scientists. He passed away in 2005 at age 54, leaving a legacy in cancer biology.