Professor Alexander Roytburd’s academic journey began in the Soviet Union, where he earned two degrees – a PhD (Candidate of Sciences) from the Institute of Crystallography, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow, in 1962, and the Habilitation (Doctor of Sciences) from the Institute of Metal Physics, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Sverdlovsk, in 1972. His career spanned over six decades, during which he held positions at prestigious institutions in both the Soviet Union and United States.
From 1956 to 1988, he worked at the Bardin Central Research Institute for Ferrous Metallurgy in Moscow, rising from scientist to full professor. He applied for permission to emigrate to the United States in 1980; the permission was denied, and he had been a “refusenik: for 8 years, during which he was active in the dissidents’ circles. In 1988, he moved to the United States, where he became a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland.
Throughout his career, Alexander made significant contributions to the understanding of phase transformations and physical metallurgy. His expertise was recognized through his memberships on various editorial boards, including Materials Transaction in both Russia and Japan and the Journal of Functional Materials in Moscow. Alexander was preceded in death by his wife, Marina Turchinskaya, whom he surrounded with devoted and tender care during the last several years of her life when she was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Alexander is survived by his three children: Tanya Galperin, Oleg Roytburd and Luba Roytburd; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Victor Roytburd. The scientific community has lost a brilliant mind, dedicated researcher and influential teacher. Professor Roytburd’s work will continue to influence the field of materials science for years to come. His passion for life, science, love and creativity will be profoundly missed by his family, colleagues and students. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, which Alexander himself supported for years.