Which mathematician is known for their work on the mathematical theory of communication known as information theory?

Claude Shannon is recognized as the pioneer of information theory, a significant branch of mathematics and engineering that focuses on quantifying, storing, and communicating information efficiently. His groundbreaking 1948 paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," established foundational concepts within this field, including the notions of entropy, redundancy, and channel capacity. These principles have profound implications across various domains such as telecommunications, data compression, and cryptography, shaping how we understand the transmission and processing of information in modern technology.

Shannon's formulations allow for a mathematical framework to assess the limits of data transmission and encoding, making his contribution integral to the development of digital communication systems. This innovation marks him as a central figure in the study of information, which is why he is recognized for this area of mathematical research.