The London Mathematical Society expresses its deep concern over the current situation of Professor Mikhail V. Volkov, formerly of the Ural Federal University in Ekaterinburg. In the last months Prof. Volkov has been dismissed from his position, put under a criminal investigation, and subject to a travel ban. Meanwhile, he is facing serious health issues that have required hospitalisation.
Prof. Volkov is held in the highest esteem by the international community, being a leading figure in combinatorial semigroup theory, Editor-in-Chief of Semigroup Forum, and a renowned scholar, expositor and mentor. For decades Prof. Volkov has provided a bridge between the Russian school of semigroup theory and that of the rest of the world. His great good humour and encyclopaedic knowledge are a joy to all who are in contact with him. We join mathematical societies around the world in urging Russian authorities to extend compassion and humanity to our colleague and allow him to continue his work as an ambassador for Russian mathematics.
Last updated 17 June 2025