# Oddur Benediktsson

> Ph.D. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1965

**Wikidata**: [Q102356205](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102356205)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oddur-benediktsson

## Summary
Oddur Benediktsson was an Icelandic computer scientist and university teacher. He earned a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965 and had a notable career spanning both academia at the University of Iceland and industry at IBM.

## Biography
- Born: 1937-06-05 in Reykjavík
- Nationality: Iceland
- Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1965); Reykjavík Junior College
- Known for: Pioneering work in computer science in Iceland; academic teaching
- Employer(s): University of Iceland (1964-1969, 1973-2007); IBM (1969-1972)
- Field(s): Computer Science

## Contributions
Oddur Benediktsson was a foundational figure in establishing computer science as a discipline in Iceland. After completing his Ph.D. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965 under advisor Bernard Fleishman, he returned to Iceland. He played a crucial role in developing computer science education and research at the University of Iceland, where he taught for over three decades across two separate tenures (1964-1969 and 1973-2007). His work at IBM (1969-1972) provided valuable industry experience that informed his academic contributions. Benediktsson's primary impact lies in his long-term dedication to teaching and mentoring students in computer science within Iceland, helping to build the country's early technical expertise in this emerging field.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Oddur Benediktsson's nationality?
A: Oddur Benediktsson was Icelandic.

### Q: Where did Oddur Benediktsson earn his Ph.D.?
A: He earned his Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965.

### Q: What were Oddur Benediktsson's main employers?
A: His primary employers were the University of Iceland (in two separate periods: 1964-1969 and 1973-2007) and IBM (1969-1972).

### Q: What was Oddur Benediktsson's field of work?
A: He worked as a computer scientist and university teacher.

## Why They Matter
Oddur Benediktsson was instrumental in the early development of computer science education and research in Iceland. As one of the first Icelanders to earn a Ph.D. in the field and then dedicating a significant portion of his career to teaching at the University of Iceland, he helped establish the foundational knowledge base for generations of Icelandic computer scientists and engineers. His dual experience in academia and industry (IBM) provided a unique perspective that enriched his teaching. Without his long-term commitment to education at the University of Iceland, the growth of computer science as a discipline and profession in Iceland would have been significantly delayed, impacting the country's technological development trajectory.

## Notable For
- First Icelandic Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1965).
- Long-serving academic at the University of Iceland, teaching computer science for over 30 years across two tenures (1964-1969, 1973-2007).
- Combined significant industry experience at IBM (1969-1972) with his academic career.
- Pioneering role in establishing computer science education in Iceland.
- Recognized as both a university teacher and a computer scientist.

## Body
### Personal Details
- Full Name: Oddur Benediktsson
- Birth Date: 1937-06-05
- Birth Place: Reykjavík, Iceland
- Death Date: 2010-08-17
- Sex: Male
- Citizenship: Iceland
- VIAF ID: 351149066607165601981
- Library of Congress Authority ID: nr94023727
- DBLP Author ID: b/OBenediktsson
- Mathematics Genealogy Project ID: 139581

### Education
- Attended Reykjavík Junior College.
- Earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965.
- Doctoral Advisor: Bernard Fleishman.

### Career
- **University of Iceland**: Employed as a university teacher (1964-1969, 1973-2007).
- **IBM**: Employed (1969-1972).
- **Occupations**: University Teacher, Computer Scientist.

### Affiliations
- Associated with IBM (American multinational technology corporation).
- Associated with the University of Iceland.
- Classified as a computer scientist.

## References

1. [Morgunblaðið. 2010](https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2010/08/20/andlat_oddur_benediktsson/)
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. Virtual International Authority File