Obituary: Rein Prank, mathematician and computer scientist, has passed away

A legendary lecturer, valued colleague and dedicated researcher, Professor Emeritus Rein Prank (22.03.1949-09.09.2024), has passed away.   

Rein Prank graduated in 1967 from Nõo Secondary School with a special class in physics and mathematics and went on to study mathematics at the University of Tartu. In 1971, Rein Prank, as a successful student, was directed to continue his studies at Moscow State University, where he graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics in 1973. In Moscow, he also completed his postgraduate studies and defended his degree of Doctor of Science in Physics and Mathematics in 1982. Since 1973, Rein Prank has worked at the University of Tartu, first as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Programming and from 1985 as an Associate Professor. In 1993, Rein Prank continued his education in Germany, and from 1993, he was an Associate Professor at the Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu. Rein Prank was Head of the Institute of Computer Science in 1994 and 1999.

His scientific research was related to constructive mathematical logic and intelligent learning systems. He has published numerous research articles for international scientific journals, conferences, and Estonian publications such as the University of Tartu's "School Mathematics" collection. Three doctoral theses were defended under his supervision at the University of Tartu. Rein Prank continued to publish research and articles after his retirement.

Rein Prank is the author of several important textbooks used by almost all learners of mathematics and informatics in recent decades. For example, "Logic. Proof of Reasoning (1997, 2nd edition 2002, co-authored by T. Tamme, T. Tammet), Mathematical Logic and Algorithm Theory (2004) and Introduction to Mathematical Logic (2004, co-authored by R. Palm). The most recent textbook, "Programming Algorithms in Elementary School Mathematics. A Collection of Programming Exercises" was published in 2019.

Rein Prank's interest in using computers in teaching led him to develop software for more effective teaching of mathematics courses as early as the 1990s. Under his guidance, a wide range of educational programmes were developed, one such was for students to solve theorem and predicate calculations, graph problems and truth table problems, and a programme for school students, "T-algebra", to practice algebra transformations.

For decades, Rein Prank has been a highly respected teacher among students, known for his resolve and correctness. He constantly lectured, always to large audiences, on subjects such as mathematical logic, algorithm theory, programming, and the use of computers in teaching mathematics.

Rein Prank participated in the development of curricula, served as a jury member of the National Olympiad for students in the field of science on several occasions, and was involved in the work of the Expert Committee for the Tiger's Leap. He was a member of the Estonian Mathematics Society and the Estonian Information Technology Society and received several awards such as the Medal of Honour of the University of Tartu (2009), the Gerhard Rägo Memorial Medal (2010) and the University of Tartu Medal (2014). Rein Prank was a passionate amateur sportsman who was active in orienteering both in summer and winter. He also enjoyed skiing and, in his younger years, alpinism.

Colleagues described Rein Prank as a principled and punctual man who was demanding not only of others but also of himself. He was benevolent and supportive but did not tolerate foolishness, and his approach to all problems and discussions was always based on logical arguments, typical of a true mathematician.

At this time our thoughts and condolences go out to Rein Prank's family. A well-loved colleague, he will be sadly missed.