Richard Rado

Richard Rado, born on April 28, 1906, was a distinguished German-born British mathematician renowned for his contributions to combinatorics and graph theory. His academic journey was profoundly influenced by the tumultuous political climate of his homeland, as he was Jewish and sought refuge from Nazi persecution.

Rado's academic prowess was evident early on, earning him two PhDs: the first in 1933 from the University of Berlin and the second in 1935 from the University of Cambridge. His transition to the UK was facilitated by a scholarship awarded after an interview in Berlin with Lord Cherwell, on behalf of the chemist Sir Robert Mond, which provided essential financial support for his studies at Cambridge.

In 1954, Rado was appointed Professor of Mathematics at the University of Reading, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 1971. His legacy in the field of mathematics continues to inspire future generations of scholars.