Michiel Hazewinkel: A Legacy of Mathematical Excellence
Michiel Hazewinkel was a distinguished mathematician whose career spanned several decades of academic leadership, research, and editorial contributions. Born in Amsterdam to Jan Hazewinkel and Geertrude Hendrika Werner, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of mathematical truth, leaving an indelible mark on the institutions he served and the students he mentored.
Academic Foundations and Early Research
Hazewinkel's journey began at the University of Amsterdam, where he built a rigorous foundation in the exact sciences. He earned a BA in mathematics and physics in 1963, followed by an MA in mathematics with a minor in philosophy in 1965. He culminated his formal education in 1969 with a PhD, completing his thesis titled "Maximal Abelian Extensions of Local Fields" under the supervision of Frans Oort and Albert Menalda.
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Professional Career and Institutional Leadership
Following his graduation, Hazewinkel entered academia as an assistant professor at the University of Amsterdam in 1969. His career quickly progressed to the Erasmus University Rotterdam, where he became an associate professor in 1970 and was later appointed professor of mathematics at the Econometric Institute in 1972.
Between 1973 and 1975, he expanded his influence as a professor at the Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen. His leadership roles continued to evolve; from 1982 to 1985, he balanced a part-time role as professor extraordinarius (a title for professors appointed for specific reasons or periods) at Erasmus University Rotterdam with the position of head of the Department of Pure Mathematics at the Centre for Mathematics and Computer (CWI) in Amsterdam.
In 1985, he was appointed professor extraordinarius at the University of Utrecht. He eventually returned to the CWI in Amsterdam, where in 1988 he became a professor of mathematics and head of the Department of Algebra, Analysis and Geometry, a position he held until his retirement in 2008.
Editorial Contributions and Professional Service
Beyond the classroom and research lab, Hazewinkel was a prolific editor, shaping the dissemination of mathematical knowledge. Since 1977, he served as managing editor for Nieuw Archief voor Wiskunde and, from 1983, for Acta Applicandae Mathematicae. He also contributed as an associate editor for Chaos, Solitons & Fractals starting in 1991.
His editorial expertise extended to prestigious book series and encyclopedias, including:
- Mathematics and Its Applications (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1977)
- Mathematics and Geophysics (Reidel Publishing, 1981)
- Encyclopedia of Mathematics (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1987–1994)
- Handbook of Algebra (Elsevier Science Publishers, 1995–2009), a comprehensive 6-volume work.
Hazewinkel's commitment to the global mathematical community was further evidenced by his membership in 15 professional societies and his election to the International Academy of Computer Sciences and Systems in 1994.
Key Facts
- PhD Thesis: "Maximal Abelian Extensions of Local Fields" (1969).
- Major Institutions: University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, CWI Amsterdam, and University of Utrecht.
- Key Editorial Work: Managed the 6-volume Handbook of Algebra from 1995 to 2009.
- Professional Honor: Member of the International Academy of Computer Sciences and Systems (elected 1994).
- Retirement: Retired from CWI Amsterdam in 2008.
Summary of Academic and Editorial Roles
| Period | Institution/Publication | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | University of Amsterdam | Assistant Professor |
| 1972 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | Professor of Mathematics |
| 1982–1985 | CWI Amsterdam | Head of Pure Mathematics |
| 1988–2008 | CWI Amsterdam | Head of Algebra, Analysis and Geometry |
| 1995–2009 | Elsevier Science Publishers | Managing Editor, Handbook of Algebra |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Michiel Hazewinkel receive his education?
He studied at the University of Amsterdam, where he earned his BA in mathematics and physics (1963), an MA in mathematics with a minor in philosophy (1965), and his PhD (1969).
What was the subject of Hazewinkel's doctoral thesis?
His PhD thesis was titled "Maximal Abelian Extensions of Local Fields," completed under the supervision of Albert Menalda and Frans Oort.
Which major mathematical publications did he manage?
He served as managing editor for the Handbook of Algebra (6 volumes), the Encyclopedia of Mathematics, Nieuw Archief voor Wiskunde, and Acta Applicandae Mathematicae.
How many professional societies was he a member of?
Michiel Hazewinkel was a member of 15 professional societies within the field of mathematics.
When did Michiel Hazewinkel pass away?
Michiel Hazewinkel died on 4 November 2025.