Naum Akhiezer (1901–1980)
Who Was Naum Akhiezer?
Naum Ilyich Akhiezer (1901–1980) was one of the most distinguished Jewish Ukrainian mathematicians of the twentieth century. Born in Cherikov (now Belarus), he studied at the Kiev Institute of Public Education, completing the full course in just eighteen months. His pioneering work in approximation theory, the theory of operators, and mathematical physics earned him recognition across the global scientific community. He authored over 150 papers and 10 major books, including the celebrated Lectures on the Theory of Approximation, which was awarded the Chebyshev Prize.
From 1933, Akhiezer's life and work were centered in Kharkiv. He held the Chair of the Theory of Functions at Kharkiv University, directed the Mathematical and Mechanical Research Institute, and served as President of the Kharkiv Mathematical Society for over 25 years. By the 1960s, he had become the de-facto leader of Kharkiv's entire mathematical community — a role he held until his final days.
Akhiezer was far more than a brilliant scholar. He was a tireless institution-builder and advocate. He helped found School No. 27 for students gifted in physics and mathematics (now the Kharkiv Physics and Mathematics Liceum), nurturing talent from an early age. He organized mathematical teams across Kharkiv's universities and established an external youth mathematics school. He also quietly supported talented Jewish scientists who were denied career opportunities elsewhere, opening doors and creating space for them within his departments.
His conviction that knowledge should serve people — and that talent deserves a chance regardless of background — is the principle at the heart of this Foundation.