Princeton University
Alan Turing, universally recognized as the "father of computer science", studied at Princeton in the late 1930s and earned a PhD in 1938. The passing of the torch from the mathematicians Godel and Church to the computer scientist Turing opened the door for an understanding of what is possible with computation and the development of the computational infrastructure that surrounds us today. Turing also originated research in artificial intelligence and played a decisive role as a cryptanalyst during the second world war.
Turing was born in 1912 and events to mark his accomplishments are being held around the world in the 100th year after his birth. The Princeton Turing Centennial Celebration, to be held May 10-12, 2012, will celebrate Turing's time at Princeton, the pivotal role that his thesis played in the evolution of computer science, and the broad reach of his work.
Princeton University is bringing together leading computer scientists from around the world who have followed in Turing's footsteps to offer their perspectives on the impact of Turing's work. Attendees will fully come to appreciate that Turing was as important as Einstein for 20th century science and that his impact on society today was far greater. The University has assembled a program of specialized technical sessions, general-interest talks, social events, and various special attractions over a three-day period. They are also creating a conference publication that will focus upon Turing’s contributions at Princeton, notably his dissertation and a related commentary.
The organizers expect that this event will have broad appeal. Please register if you are planning to attend, so that they may gauge interest, plan accordingly, and keep you informed as more details become available in the early spring.