# Arto Salomaa

> Finnish mathematician and computer scientist; academian of science (Academy of Finland), professor emeritus of mathematics (University of Turku)

**Wikidata**: [Q578300](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q578300)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arto_Salomaa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arto-salomaa

## Summary
Arto Salomaa was a Finnish mathematician and computer scientist, an academian of science at the Academy of Finland and professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Turku.

## Biography
- Born: 1934-06-06, Turku, Finland
- Nationality: Finland
- Education: Licentiate from University of Turku (1959), Doctor of Philosophy from University of Turku (1960); studied at University of California, Berkeley (1956–1957)
- Known for: Contributions to automata theory, formal language theory, and theoretical computer science
- Employer(s): University of Turku (professor 1966–1999), Research Council of Finland (research professor 1975–1980, 1989–1999), Leiden University (Dutch ordinary professor 1988–), Aarhus University
- Field(s): Mathematics, computer science, formal language, automata theory

## Contributions
Arto Salomaa made foundational contributions to theoretical computer science, focusing on automata theory and formal language theory. He mentored numerous prominent researchers, including Juhani Karhumäki, Neil D. Jones, and Paul Vitanyi, shaping generations of computer scientists. His work advanced the theoretical underpinnings of computation, influencing subsequent research in automata theory and formal methods.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Arto Salomaa's nationality?
A: Finnish.

### Q: When and where was Arto Salomaa born?
A: Born on June 6, 1934, in Turku, Finland.

### Q: What was his main field of work?
A: Mathematics and computer science, with a focus on automata theory, formal language theory, and theoretical computer science.

## Why They Matter
Arto Salomaa was a leading figure in theoretical computer science, advancing foundational areas like automata theory and formal language theory. He served as an academian of science at the Academy of Finland and mentored numerous prominent researchers, influencing generations of computer scientists and shaping the field's direction.

## Notable For
- Received the EATCS award in 2004 for contributions to theoretical computer science.
- Was named Professor of the Year in 1993.
- Held the title of Commander First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland (2019) and Knight First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (1980).
- Served as an academian of science at the Academy of Finland and professor emeritus at the University of Turku.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born on June 6, 1934, in Turku, Finland.
- Educated at the University of Turku, earning a licentiate in 1959 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1960.
- Studied at the University of California, Berkeley from 1956 to 1957.

### Academic Career
- Served as a professor of mathematics at the University of Turku from 1966 to 1999.
- Worked as a research professor at the Research Council of Finland from 1975 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 1999.
- Held a position as a Dutch ordinary professor at Leiden University starting February 9, 1988.
- Affiliated with Aarhus University.

### Research and Contributions
- Specialized in automata theory, formal language theory, and theoretical computer science.
- Mentored several prominent computer scientists, including Juhani Karhumäki, Neil D. Jones, and Paul Vitanyi.

### Awards and Honors
- Received the EATCS award in 2004.
- Named Professor of the Year in 1993.
- Awarded Commander First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2019.
- Honored as Knight First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland in 1980.

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## References

1. The National Biography of Finland
2. Leidse Hoogleraren
3. BiographySampo
4. BnF authorities
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Annetut kunniamerkit](http://www.ritarikunnat.fi/index.php/fi/ritarikunnat/annetut-kunniamerkit/50-annetut-kunniamerkit/452-6-12-2019-annetut-kunniamerkit)
7. Mathematics Genealogy Project
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](http://www.ae-info.org/ae/Acad_Main/List_of_Members/ListMembersByCountry?type=listcountry&pagenr=400)
12. www.ae-info.org
13. [Source](http://www.scientiarum.fi/pdf/ledam%C3%B6ter/Ordinarie%20ledam%C3%B6ter_2017-01-23.pdf)
14. [2018](https://www.acadsci.fi/suomalainen-tiedeakatemia/jasenet/kotimaiset-jasenet.html)
15. [Arto Salomaa, Academician of Science, dies at 90](https://www.aka.fi/en/about-us/whats-new/press-releases/2025/arto-salomaa-academician-of-science-dies-at-90/)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. CONOR.SI
18. LIBRIS. 2012
19. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File