Mathematical probability theory is one of the most important subjects in modern Applied Mathematics. It has applications in telecommunications, telephone switching networks, engineering and electronics and, of course, to finance and actuarial science.

It is also seen as one of the most beautiful branches of modern mathematics, and is an area in which Swansea has made a vital contribution to Britain’s reputation as a world leader in this field.

Masatoshi Fukushima, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Osaka, Japan, is one of the foremost scholars in probability theory.  His book on Dirichlet forms and Markov processes, first published in 1980, is the classic reference text for the subject.

Professor Fukushima has received many honours. He was an Invited Speaker in the Probability Session at the International Congress of Mathematics in Helsinki, was awarded the Analysis Prize of the Japanese Mathematics Society, and was the Invited London Mathematical Society Lecturer in August 2003.

Professor Aubrey Truman is Head of the Department of Maths in Swansea University’s School of Physical Sciences. He said: "It is entirely fitting that Professor Masatoshi Fukushima be awarded an Honorary Professorship at Swansea University. He has given many lectures here, and he takes a great interest in our current research programme."

"He also collaborates with many of the Department’s senior staff, including Professor David Williams FRS, who built up Swansea’s reputation in this area."

Professor Fukushima will receive his Honorary Professorship on Friday 12th October. To mark the occasion, the University is holding a three day workshop on Dirichlet Forms and Related Topics.

In addition to Professor Fukushima, speakers will include Nicolas Bouleau (Paris), Qingyang Guan (Loughborough), E F Hirsch (Evry), Terry Lyons, FRS(Oxford), Eugene Lytvynov (Swansea), T Uemura (Kobe), Feng-Yu Wang (Swansea), Boguslaw Zegarlinski (London) and T-S Zhang (Manchester).

For further information about the School of Physical Sciences at Swansea University, please visit the School's website.