Persecution from the communist government and the fact that he came from an old Protestant family and refused to renounce his belief significantly delayed his academic career. Despite his international renown, it took him ten years to have his habilitation officially approved and he was only made Professor in 1990. In 1986, he was awarded Honorary Doctorates by the Universities of Leuven and Leeds, and in 2000 by the University of Turku.
The communist government's persecution and his family background as an old Protestant caused delays in his academic career. Despite his international recognition, it took him ten years to gain habilitation approval and become a full professor in 1990. In 1986, he was honored with honorary doctorates from the Universities of Leuven and Leeds, and in 2000 by the University of Turku.