Nikolai Smirnov was a prominent Russian mathematician known for his contributions to statistics and probability theory. He is best recognized for developing the Smirnov test, a non-parametric statistical test used to compare two samples or a sample with a reference probability distribution. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of statistics, particularly in hypothesis testing. Born in 1900, Smirnov's academic career spanned several decades, during which he published numerous papers and collaborated with other mathematicians. He was also involved in the development of mathematical education in Russia, helping to shape the curriculum and promote the importance of statistics in various scientific disciplines.