In Memory of Alexander Borisovich Kurzhanski (1939-2025)

IIASA mourns the passing of Academician Alexander Borisovich Kurzhanski, who passed away on 8 February 2025. As a renowned expert in control theory and systems analysis, he made foundational contributions to the study of uncertainty in dynamic systems, advancing methods in estimation, optimization, and mathematical modeling.

During his time at IIASA, Kurzhanski played a pivotal role in advancing international scientific collaboration. He led the Systems and Decision Sciences program from 1984 to 1992, and from 1987 to 1992, he simultaneously served as IIASA Deputy Director. In these roles, he brought together researchers from around the world to tackle complex problems, strengthening ties between Russian and international research communities. Under his leadership, IIASA became a hub for international collaboration in control theory and applied mathematics. In recognition of his tremendous impact, he was named an IIASA Honorary Scholar in 1992.

In Russia, Kurzhanski was a central figure in the development of control theory and systems analysis. As a full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he contributed to numerous academic and scientific committees, ensuring the continued advancement of the field. At Lomonosov Moscow State University, he founded and led the Chair of Systems Analysis at the Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics which continuous his mission to this day. Throughout his career, he was a dedicated mentor, training generations of students, many of whom followed in his footsteps to become leading scientists themselves.

The IIASA community joins his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning his loss, honoring his scientific contributions, and celebrating a life devoted to his craft.