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Ludwik Finkelstein (December 6, 1929 – August 27, 2011) OBE FREng was a British engineer and academician known for his significant contributions to the fields of measurement science, instrumentation, and systems engineering. A researcher and educator, Finkelstein's work bridged theoretical advancements and practical applications in engineering.

Early life and education

Finkelstein was born in Lvov, Poland. In 1941, during World War II, he and his family were deported to Ukraine by Soviet forces. After the war, the family relocated to the United Kingdom, where Finkelstein pursued his education and built a successful career.

He completed his BSc Degree in Physics and Mathematics from University of London in 1951, After which he started working at Mining Research Establishment of the National Coal Board while studying electrical engineering and physics where he earned a MSc from University of London in 1959. He then earned his doctorate and became deeply involved in advancing systems engineering and instrumentation, with a long tenure at City, University of London.

Career

Finkelstein served as a professor at University of London, and established himself as an expert in measurement science, control systems, and the application of cybernetics to engineering problems. His research emphasized practical solutions and technological innovation, and he became a pioneer in connecting theoretical concepts with industrial applications.

Beyond academia, he held key advisory roles, including serving as the chief regional adviser for Greater London for the Home Office's scientific service for Home Defence. In this capacity, he contributed to national strategies on scientific and technological preparedness. He later on became the Pro – Vice Chancellor of Northampton College of Advance Technology from 1991–1994.

Personal life

Finkelstein married Mirjam Finkelstein, the daughter of Alfred Wiener, founder of The Wiener Holocaust Library. Together, they had three children: Anthony, Daniel, and Tamara.

Awards and recognitions

He was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1990. He was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and held Honorary Doctorates from City University, London, and St. Petersburg Technical University.

See also

• Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad, a 2023 memoir by Daniel Finkelstein

References

1. ^ "The Times: Obituary". Ludwik & Mirjam Finkelstein. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
2. ^ "Ludwik Finkelstein – The Holocaust Explained: Designed for schools". 1923-09-11. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
3. ^ Grattan, K. T. V.; Sun, T.; Khan, S. H. (2013-10-01). "Ludwik Finkelstein and measurement – A challenge for the future". Measurement. 46 (8): 2990–2992. Bibcode:2013Meas...46.2990G. doi:10.1016/j.measurement.2013.04.053. ISSN 0263-2241.
4. ^ "Ludwik Finkelstein OBE FREng (1929–2011) – The Worshipful Company of Engineers". Retrieved 2024-11-23.
5. Summers, Ron, ed. (2011). "Commemorating Ludwik Finkelstein". Measurement and Control. 44 (9): 272. doi:10.1177/002029401104400902. ISSN 0020-2940.
6. "Ludwik Finkelstein". AJR Refugee Voices. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
7. ^ Rocker, Simon. "'Remarkable' Prof Ludwik Finkelstein mourned". www.thejc.com. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
8. Philpot, Robert. "Caught between Hitler and Stalin, one family's miraculous tale of survival". Times of Israel.
9. "Professor Ludwik Finkelstein". www.thetimes.com. 2011-09-02. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
10. "Mirjam Finkelstein". The times. 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2024-11-23.

• 1929 births
• 2011 deaths
• Academics of the University of London
• Alumni of City, University of London
• Polish emigrants to the United Kingdom
• Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering
• Officers of the Order of the British Empire
• British engineers