# Mikhail Donskoy

> Russian computer scientist (1948–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q4166395](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4166395)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Donskoy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mikhail-donskoy

## Summary
Mikhail Donskoy was a Russian computer scientist (1948-2009) who made significant contributions to the field of computer chess. He worked as a senior researcher and later head of laboratory at prominent Soviet and Russian research institutions throughout his career.

## Biography
- Born: August 8, 1948 (one source) or September 9, 1948 (another source)
- Nationality: Soviet Union/Russia
- Education: MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics (graduated 1970)
- Known for: Computer chess pioneer
- Employer(s): 
  * V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences (1970-1976) as senior researcher
  * Institute for Systems Analysis (starting 1976) as head of laboratory
- Field(s): Computer science, chess

## Contributions
Mikhail Donskoy was recognized as a pioneer in computer chess, though specific works or projects are not detailed in the source material. He spent his career at leading Soviet and Russian research institutions, beginning at the V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences where he served as a senior researcher from 1970 to 1976. He then transitioned to the Institute for Systems Analysis where he headed a laboratory starting in 1976. His work contributed to the development of computer chess during a formative period for the field, though the specific technical achievements or publications are not documented in the provided sources.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Mikhail Donskoy's most significant contribution to computer science?
A: Mikhail Donskoy was recognized as a pioneer in computer chess, though specific contributions are not detailed in the source material.

### Q: Where did Mikhail Donskoy work during his career?
A: Donskoy worked at the V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences from 1970 to 1976 as a senior researcher, and then at the Institute for Systems Analysis starting in 1976 as head of laboratory.

### Q: When and where did Mikhail Donskoy die?
A: Mikhail Donskoy died on January 13, 2009, in Moscow, Russia, and was buried at Khovanskoye Cemetery.

### Q: What was Mikhail Donskoy's educational background?
A: Donskoy was educated at the MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, completing his education in 1970.

## Why They Matter
Mikhail Donskoy's significance lies in his role as a computer chess pioneer during the Soviet era when computational research was developing rapidly. His career spanning nearly four decades at prestigious Soviet and Russian research institutions demonstrates his commitment to advancing computer science in Russia. While specific technical achievements aren't detailed in the sources, his recognition as a pioneer in computer chess indicates he contributed to the intersection of artificial intelligence and strategic game playing, an area that has since grown into a major field of computer science research and development.

## Notable For
- Pioneer in computer chess
- Senior researcher at V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences (1970-1976)
- Head of laboratory at Institute for Systems Analysis (starting 1976)
- Russian computer scientist who lived from 1948 to 2009
- Buried at Khovanskoye Cemetery in Moscow

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mikhail Donskoy was born in 1948, though sources conflict on the exact date - some indicate August 8 while others show September 9. He pursued higher education at the MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, completing his studies in 1970.

### Career
Donskoy's professional career began at the V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences where he served as a senior researcher from 1970 to 1976. In 1976, he transitioned to the Institute for Systems Analysis where he assumed the role of head of laboratory, a position he held until his death in 2009. Throughout his career, he maintained dual interests in computer science and chess, earning recognition as a pioneer in computer chess.

### Death and Legacy
Mikhail Donskoy died on January 13, 2009, in Moscow, Russia. His manner of death was recorded as natural causes. He was buried at Khovanskoye Cemetery. Despite his significant contributions to computer chess, specific technical achievements, publications, or projects are not detailed in the provided source material. His legacy is primarily recognized through his institutional affiliations and his pioneering role in the field of computer chess.

## References

1. Q136400721
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](http://www.eng.tatar-inform.ru/news/2009/01/14/22264/)
5. [Computer chess pioneer Mikhail Donskoy passes on. 2009](https://en.chessbase.com/post/computer-che-pioneer-mikhail-donskoy-paes-on)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013