Steven Vajda facts for kids

Steven Vajda (born August 20, 1901 – died December 10, 1995) was a very smart mathematician from Hungary. He helped create new ways to solve problems using math, especially in areas called mathematical programming and operational research. These are like using math to make the best decisions, whether it's for a business or a military plan.

Steven was part of a group of important researchers. He worked as an actuary, which is someone who uses math to figure out risks for things like insurance. He also worked as a mathematician in operational research from 1925 until he passed away in 1995.

From 1939 until his death, he lived in the United Kingdom. There, he was a scientist for the Royal Navy, helping with defense. He also taught as a professor at Birmingham and Sussex Universities. He wrote many books and papers about math, games, planning, and statistics.

Steven's Early Life

Steven Vajda was born István Vajda in Budapest, Hungary, in 1901. His parents were Josef and Aurelia Wollak. In 1903, his family moved to Vienna, Austria. Steven grew up and went to school there.

He studied mathematics at the University of Vienna and earned a special degree in 1925. One of his first jobs was in Romania. He worked there as an actuary, advising the Romanian government on financial risks. Later, he returned to Vienna to continue his work as an actuary. He got married there in 1929.

Fleeing to the UK

In 1939, Steven, his wife Eva, and their two children, Hedy and Robert, had to leave Austria. This was because the Nazi government had taken over Austria in 1938, an event called the Anschluss. The children were sent to Sweden for safety. Eva was allowed into the UK to work as a domestic helper.

Steven's friend, Karl Popper, a philosopher, had already left Austria. Karl helped Steven find a job in New Zealand and get the papers needed to travel. Steven was then able to enter England, planning to go to New Zealand later. The family hoped to meet up in England and then move to New Zealand together.

However, the Second World War started before they could leave. The Vajda family was briefly held in a camp on the Isle of Man. They were considered "enemy aliens" because they were from Austria. Many other refugees from Europe were also in this camp. The people in the camp organized a school for the children, and Steven taught mathematics. After several months, most people were released. Steven then found a job as an actuary again.

Working in the UK

During the war, there was a big need for mathematicians. They were needed to help with new military groups focused on operational research. This field uses math to solve military problems and make things more efficient.

A man named H. Seal, who worked with the British Navy's operational research group, had read Steven's math papers. When he found out Steven was in England, he asked him to join the war effort. After some official paperwork, Steven joined the Royal Naval Scientific Service. This was a group of scientists working for the British Navy.

When the war ended, Steven was one of the first people from other countries to become a British citizen. He stayed with the Admiralty (the British Navy's headquarters) until 1964. He held important jobs like Assistant Director of Operational Research. In 1964, he "retired" for the first time.

Life as a Professor

In 1964, Steven became a professor at the University of Birmingham. He taught operational research there. He "retired" again in 1967, but he kept working at Birmingham. He did research in mathematical statistics with other scientists.

He stayed at Birmingham until 1973. Then, he "retired" a third time to become a visiting professor at Sussex University. He was still an active part of the staff at Sussex until he died in 1995 in Brighton. He passed away two years after his first great-grandchild, Alexandra Eva, was born. She was named after his wife.

Steven's Books

Steven Vajda wrote many books about math and how to use it. Here are some of them:

• Theory of Games and Linear Programming (1956)
• Introduction to Linear Programming and the Theory of Games (1960)
• Mathematical Programming (1961)
• Mathematics of Experimental Design (1970)
• Probabilistic Programming (1972)
• Theory of Linear and Nonlinear Programming (1974)
• Mathematics of Manpower Planning (1978)
• Mathematical Games and How to Play Them (1992)
• A Mathematical Kaleidoscope: Applications in Industry, Business and Science (1995)