Groundbreaking Computer Scientist: Alan Turing, Pioneer in Cryptography and Artificial Intelligence.
In 2022, we mark the centenary of the birth of a remarkable individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the digital world as we know it today. Alan Turing, the father of modern computer science and artificial intelligence, was born a hundred years ago.
Established in the UK in 2015, The Alan Turing Institute is a national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, a testament to Turing's enduring influence. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the development of modern computer systems, and he is widely recognised as the person who launched the digital age.
Turing's brilliance extended beyond the realm of computer science. During World War II, he helped the British win the war by cracking the Nazi 'Enigma' codes, a feat that significantly contributed to the Allied victory.
Sadly, Turing's life ended tragically. He was persecuted by British authorities for the crime of being homosexual, a criminal offense at the time. His treatment by the authorities was unjust, and in 2013, the British government issued an official apology and granted him a posthumous pardon.
A campaign to pardon Turing had been underway since 2013, with a petition receiving over 300,000 signatures. The petition, along with the official apology, is a step towards acknowledging the injustice Turing faced and celebrating his contributions to society.
Statues of Turing have been erected in his honour. In 2001, a statue was unveiled in Sackville Park, Manchester, and another was unveiled in Turing's childhood home in Maida Vale, London, in 2012.
As we celebrate the Alan Turing Year, a series of events and initiatives are being organised globally to honour Turing's contributions. In 2019, Google's Duplex AI technology was named 'Alan Turing AI' in honour of the computer science pioneer.
Turing's work is still relevant today. The Turing Test, a test of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human, was developed by Turing in 1950. This test continues to be a benchmark in the field of artificial intelligence.
Alan Turing's brilliance lives in the computers we use every day. As we celebrate the Alan Turing Year, let us remember and honour this extraordinary individual who shaped the digital world and left an indelible mark on history.
Read also:
- Musk threatens Apple with litigation amidst increasing conflict surrounding Altman's OpenAI endeavor
- Transitioning to Electric Vehicles Places Heavy Demand on Power Grids
- E-mobility continues its progress after a decade since the scandal, staying on course
- The Commission deems the assistance program to be in agreement with the domestic market regulations.
