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Harold Ramkissoon

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Harold Ramkissoon
Ramkissoon in 2019
Born(1942-04-14)14 April 1942
Tabaquite, Trinidad and Tobago
Died15 November 2024(2024-11-15) (aged 82)
Trinidad and Tobago
NationalityTrinidadian
Alma materUniversity of the West Indies
University of Toronto
University of Calgary
Known forFluid Dynamics

Harold Ramkissoon (14 April 1942 – 15 November 2024) was a Trinidadian mathematician, academic, and science advocate known for his work in fluid dynamics. He served as Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of the West Indies, and was an independent senator of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.[1]

Early life and education

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Harold Ramkissoon was born on 14 April 1942,[2] in Tabaquite, Trinidad, and grew up in Marabella.[2] He attended Tabaquite RC Primary School and later Presentation College.[2] In 1966, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of the West Indies (UWI).[3][2] He completed a Master of Science in Mathematics at the University of Toronto in 1969 and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics at the University of Calgary in 1975.[3][2] His doctoral research focused on fluid dynamics, including micropolar fluids, and marangoni instabilities.[3][4]

In 2019, Ramkissoon received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies and the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Lifetime Achievement Award.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

Career

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Ramkissoon joined the University of the West Indies in 1976 as a lecturer in mathematics. He was promoted to senior lecturer in 1982, reader in mathematics in 1990, and, in 1998, became the first West Indian to be appointed to a personal chair in mathematics at UWI.[4][11][12][13] He retired in 2007 and was named professor emeritus.[3]

He collaborated with institutions such as Cambridge University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.[11][2][14] Ramkissoon authored over 85 peer-reviewed research papers and contributed to five books in applied mathematics.

Ramkissoon worked to advance science and technology in the Caribbean. He led the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (1994–1998) and the Caribbean Scientific Union (2002–2004).[15][16][17][18] He founded the Caribbean Congress of Fluid Dynamics and chaired regional scientific conferences.[4] In 2014, Ramkissoon was appointed Chair of the CARICOM Science and Technology (S&T) Committee, launched by Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada.[19][20][21] From 2010 to 2013, he served as an independent senator in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for policies supporting research and development.[22][11][23][24][25][26] He also established the Trinidad and Tobago National Mathematics Olympiad to promote interest in mathematics and science among young people.[27][28]

In 2017, Harold Ramkissoon launched his autobiography, My Journey, in Trinidad and then in Guyana through events organized by the University of the West Indies,[29] the University of Guyana and the Ministry of Education.[30][31][32][33][34]

Ramkissoon was a founding member and president of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences. He held executive roles in organizations such as the InterAcademy Partnership and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS).[22][11][35] He participated in the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, and was a fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.[36] He was also a corresponding member of science academies in Cuba and Venezuela.[5][37][38]

Death and tributes

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Ramkissoon died on 15 November 2024, at the age of 82.[37] The Office of the President of Trinidad and Tobago and the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago acknowledged his contributions and achievements on 26 November.[23][39][40][41][16][42]

Awards and recognition

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Ramkissoon received several awards for his contributions to education, including the Chaconia Gold Medal in 2000,[43][44] the Simón Bolívar Academic Gold Medal in 2001, and the Caricom Science Award in 2006.[13][4][22] He was awarded honorary Doctor of Science degrees from the University of Technology, Jamaica, in 2011, and the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, in 2019.[45]

Ramkissoon was a recipient of fellowships from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Fulbright Foundation,[46][4] and he was inducted into the CARISCIENCE Hall of Fame in 2015.[47]

Books

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Ramkissoon’s published works include:

  • Differential Equations (2011)
  • The Element of Calculus (2010, with C. De Matas)
  • Lubricated Transport of Viscous Materials (1998, editor), Kluwer Academic Publishers.
  • Complex Analysis (1998, with B. Tom)
  • Differential Complex Analysis (1996, with B. Tom)

Selected papers

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  • "Drag on an Axially Symmetric Body in the Stokes' Flow of Micropolar Fluids" Authors: H. Ramkissoon and S.R. Majumdar, Physics of Fluids, vol. 19, pp. 16–21, 1976.
  • "Representations in Hydrodynamics" Author: H. Ramkissoon, Acta Mechanica, vol. 28, pp. 49–53, 1977.
  • "Potentials and Green's Functions in Micropolar Fluid Theory" Authors: H. Ramkissoon and S.R. Majumdar, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik (Z.A.M.M.), vol. 60, pp. 249–255, 1980.
  • "Integral Representations in Hydrodynamics" Author: H. Ramkissoon, Acta Mechanica, vol. 50, pp. 119–125, 1983.
  • "On a Planar Exterior Problem in Linear Elasticity" Author: H. Ramkissoon, Quarterly of Applied Mathematics, vol. 43, pp. 135–141, 1985.
  • "Stokes Flow Past a Slightly Deformed Fluid Sphere" Author: H. Ramkissoon, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Physik (Z.A.M.P.), vol. 37, pp. 859–866, 1986.
  • "Stokes Flow Past a Reiner-Rivlin Liquid Sphere" Author: H. Ramkissoon, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik (Z.A.M.M.), vol. 69, pp. 259–261, 1989.
  • "Non-Newtonian Flow Between Concentric Cylinders" Authors: H. Ramkissoon and C.V. Easwaran, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik (Z.A.M.M.), vol. 72, 1993
  • "Visco-Elastic Flow in Tubes Subjected to Pulses" Authors: H. Ramkissoon and S.R. Majumdar, International Journal of Engineering Science, vol. 33, pp. 217–221, 1995.
  • "Stokes Flow Past a Non-Newtonian Spheroid" Author: H. Ramkissoon, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, vol. 78, pp. 61–66, 1997.
  • "Marangoni Instabilities in a Two-Layer Fluid System" Authors: H. Ramkissoon and D. Comissiong, Journal of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, vol. 26, pp. 243–253, 2001.
  • "On Thermal Instabilities in a Viscoelastic Fluid Subject to Internal Heat Generation" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, D. Comissiong, T. Dass, and A. Sankar, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, vol. 80, pp. 826–833, 2011.

Other publications

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  • "Science Research in the Caribbean" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, I. Kahwa, A World of Science, UNESCO, 2005.[48]
  • "Cuban Science: A Jewel in the Caribbean Crown" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, A World of Science, UNESCO, 2005.[49]
  • "Science and Technology in the Caribbean Today" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, Academi Sains Malaysia Monograph, 2007.[50]
  • "Challenges Facing the University in a Knowledge Economy" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, TWAS General Meeting, Mexico, 2008.[51]
  • "Transforming the Caribbean Science and Technology Landscape to Assist with Economic Development" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, 4th Annual Private Sector Meeting with CARICOM Ministers of Trade and Commerce, Jamaica, 2009.[52]
  • "The CARICOM Countries" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, I. Kahwa, UNESCO World Science Report, 2010.[53]
  • "The CARICOM Countries" Authors: H. Ramkissoon, I. Kahwa, UNESCO World Science Report, 2015.[54]

References

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  1. ^ Tack, Clint Chan (26 November 2024). "Senate mourns Prof Harold Ramkissoon". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Professor Emeritus Harold Ramkissoon" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b c d "Professor Harold Ramkissoon | The Department of Mathematics and Statistics". sta.uwi.edu. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Prof Copeland Remarks at Ramkissoon Book Launch My Journey" (PDF).
  5. ^ a b Grenada, N. O. W. (27 March 2015). "Caricom Science Delegation to Visit Cuba | NOW Grenada". Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  6. ^ Gioannetti, Andrew (25 October 2019). "UWI honours Prof Ramkissoon". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  7. ^ Gittens, Tyrell (25 November 2019). "Prof Ramkissoon gets lifetime award". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  8. ^ "Father of Internet Search Engine among 10 for UWI honorary degree | Loop Trinidad & Tobago". Loop News. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  9. ^ "Father of Internet Search Engine among 10 for UWI honorary degree | Loop St. Lucia". Loop News. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  10. ^ "UWI to award over 9000 degrees as graduation ceremonies begin | Loop St. Lucia". Loop News. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d "Harold Ramkissoon Public Lecture" (PDF).
  12. ^ "Professor Harold Ramkissoon" (PDF).
  13. ^ a b "Jamaica Gleaner Online". old.jamaica-gleaner.com. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  14. ^ "IKCEST - Event Report". www.ikcest.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  15. ^ "CASWI.ORG - Brief history of CAS". www.caswi.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  16. ^ a b "CAS-Prof.Ramkisson.pdf". Google Docs. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  17. ^ "Governing Council". Caribbean Science Foundation. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  18. ^ "The Caribbean Academy of Science". www.caswi.org.jm. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  19. ^ Sciences (TWAS), The World Academy of (21 April 2015). "Investing in a Caribbean future". twas.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  20. ^ "R&D for a Caribbean Future" (PDF).
  21. ^ Roberto (6 May 2017). "Science, Technology and Innovation in the Caribbean - Strengthening Cooperation Conference was held in Trinidad and Tobago". International Science Council. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Sciences (TWAS), The World Academy of. "Ramkissoon, Harold | TWAS". twas.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Prof. Harold Ramkissoon – Parliament". www.ttparliament.org. Archived from the original on 16 April 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  24. ^ "Calendar .:. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform". sustainabledevelopment.un.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  25. ^ "Senator Prof. Harold Ramkissoon".
  26. ^ "Four Independents back again". Guardian. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  27. ^ Freeport, Kevin Baldeosingh (30 June 2018). "First do the research, Prof Ramkissoon". Trinidad Express Newspapers. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  28. ^ "International Mathematical Olympiad". 193.2.68.155. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  29. ^ "St Augustine Campus News | Welcome to The University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago". sta.uwi.edu. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  30. ^ "My Journey: The Autobiography of Harold Ramkissoon" (PDF).
  31. ^ KNews (18 February 2018). "Mathematician, Professor Ramkissoon, launches autobiography in Guyana". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  32. ^ "Kaieteur News by GxMedia". issuu.com. 18 February 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  33. ^ "University of Guyana Library". library.uog.edu.gy. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  34. ^ Ramkissoon, Harold (2017). My journey: the Autobiography of Harold Ramkissoon. Trinidad and Tobago: s.n. ISBN 978-976-8271-51-8.
  35. ^ Sciences (TWAS), The World Academy of (21 April 2015). "Investing in a Caribbean future". twas.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  36. ^ "Pugwash occasional papers (issued by the Council of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs Nobel Peace Prize 1995)" (PDF).
  37. ^ a b "Harold Ramkissoon | Cuban Academy of Sciences". www.academiaciencias.cu. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  38. ^ Tracy (30 March 2015). "CARICOM Science Delegation Heads to Cuba to Discuss 'Collaboration and Cooperation'". Atlanta Black Star. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  39. ^ "Unrevised Senate Debate - CONDOLENCES (PROFESSOR EMERITUS HAROLD RAMKISSOON)" (PDF).
  40. ^ Tack, Clint Chan (26 November 2024). "Senate mourns Prof Harold Ramkissoon". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  41. ^ "CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF PROFESSOR EMERITUS HAROLD RAMKISSOON".
  42. ^ "Ex-UNC Obika appointed temporary PNM senator". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  43. ^ "Gazette No.167 Vol.39 31st August 2000 Extraordinary" (PDF).
  44. ^ "Chaconia Gold Medal - 40 years of National Awards" (PDF).
  45. ^ "Prof Harold Ramkissoon". UTech Alumni Blog. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  46. ^ "Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Harold Ramkissoon". www.humboldt-foundation.de. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  47. ^ "Region's top scientists inducted in Hall of Fame". Trinidad Express Newspapers. 13 December 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  48. ^ "UNESCO science report, 2005". unesdoc.unesco.org. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  49. ^ "Cuban science : a jewel in the Caribbean crown".
  50. ^ "CARIBBEAN SURVIVAL: CRITICAL RELEVANCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY" (PDF).
  51. ^ "RAMKISSOON H. 2008. Challenges facing the university in a knowledge economy. TWAS 19th general meeting Mexico. Caribbean Diaspora for Science Technology and Innovation".
  52. ^ "4th Annual Private Sector Meeting with Ministers of Trade & Ministers of Finance Jamaica Pegasus, June 13, 2009" (PDF).
  53. ^ Ramkissoon, Harold; Kahwa, Ishenkumba A. (23 July 2010). The CARICOM countries. World Science Report. pp. 132–145. doi:10.18356/9789210059060c009. ISBN 978-92-1-005906-0. Retrieved 11 December 2024. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  54. ^ Ramkissoon, Harold; Kahwa, Ishenkumba A. (23 July 2015). Caricom. World Science Report. pp. 156–173. doi:10.18356/9789210059053c012. ISBN 978-92-1-005905-3. Retrieved 11 December 2024. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
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