CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM, July 14th 2000 — Professor Tony Hoare, a member of Microsoft Research’s lab in Cambridge UK, has been awarded this year’s Kyoto Prize by Japan’s Inamori Foundation for his pioneering and fundamental work in software science. One of the world’s most prestigious awards, Kyoto prizes are given annually to individuals who make significant contributions to the scientific, cultural or spiritual betterment of society.
Professor Tony Hoare
Professor Hoare has been one of the world’s leading computer scientists since the early 1960s. His work includes the development of Hoare Logic, providing a scientific basis for the construction of correct programs, and an objective goal for the definition and design of programming languages. He has also written a number of other papers on specification, design, implementation and maintenance of programs, showing how the results of research can contribute to computer performance and greater software reliability. He joined Microsoft Research in 1999 upon his retirement from Oxford University, which has granted him the honorary title of Emeritus Professor.
Said Professor Hoare, on his award:
“
This award recognises the contribution that computer science has made to the betterment of society. Personally, I have been greatly privileged to have pursued a professional and academic career in such an exciting field, and one which has such an impact on our intellectual, cultural and social lives. I am deeply appreciative that the Inamori Foundation has honoured computer scientists alongside the great philosophers, scientists, artists and musicians of the present age.
”
Added Rick Rashid, Senior Vice President, Microsoft Research:
“
I warmly congratulate Tony on receiving this award. His life’s work has been to push forward the boundaries of computer science. His research will continue to have an impact on all of us for many years to come. Microsoft is incredibly proud to be able to work with somebody of this stature and experience.
”
In welcoming the award, Professor Roger Needham said:
“
The Kyoto Prize is one of the most prestigious prizes in the world, awarded on the recommendation of an individual’s peers. It shows the respect that Tony has within the world of computing science and how highly his work is viewed. I’m sure everybody in Cambridge and beyond will join me in congratulating him on receiving the recognition his lifetime’s work deserves.
”
Professor Hoare’s prize comes in the same year as his knighthood which he received from HM The Queen for services to education and computing science. He will receive his Kyoto Prize in Japan in November when he will also meet the His Excellency, the Emperor of Japan.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Established in 1991, Microsoft Research is dedicated to conducting both basic and applied research in computer science and software engineering. The goal is to develop new technologies to simplify and enhance the user’s computing experience, reduce the cost of writing and maintaining software, and facilitate the creation of new types of software. For more information on Microsoft Research, see http://research.microsoft.com/ .
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
