It is with great sadness that we announce that Dr. Simon Haykin passed away on April 13, 2025. Dr. Haykin was internationally renowned for his pioneering work in adaptive signal processing, with significant contributions to the fields of radar and telecommunications. He received his B.Sc. (First-Class Honours), Ph.D., and D.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, England, and served as a Distinguished University Professor at McMaster University.
His groundbreaking research in adaptive filtering laid the foundation for many modern applications in radar and communication systems. Later in his career, he turned to neural computation, drawing on neuroscience for engineering innovations. This interdisciplinary work led to the development of cognitive dynamic systems, including the concepts of cognitive radio and cognitive radar.
Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Haykin authored more than 50 influential books, including “Adaptive Filter Theory” and “Neural Networks and Learning Machines”, which continue to be foundational texts in both academia and industry. His many honors include being named a Fellow of the IEEE and the Royal Society of Canada, receiving the IEEE James H. Mulligan Jr. Education Medal in 2016, and the Henry Booker Gold Medal from the International Union of Radio Science in 2002.
B.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc. (University of Birmingham, England)
Distinguished University Professor ; Director of Cognitive Systems Laboratory ; Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada ; Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ; recipient of the IEEE’s highest award for educational activities – the 2016 IEEE James H. Mulligan, Jr. Education Medal ; recipient of the Henry Booker Gold Medal from URSI, 2002 ; Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences from ETH Zentrum, Zurich, Switzerland, 1999 ; Lifetime Innovator Award (McMaster’s Innovation Showcase) ; and many other medals and prizes ; Dr. Haykin has provided outstanding education to generations of undergraduate and graduate students through his renowned text books & engaging lectures.
