#USA #Hong Kong #Computer Science #Shaw Prize #Turing Award

The Launch of Shaw Prize in Computer Science

On January 28, 2026, the Shaw Prize Foundation made headlines with the announcement of the Shaw Prize in Computer Science. This prestigious award aims to celebrate exceptional achievements in the burgeoning field of computer science, complementing existing awards in astronomy, life sciences, and mathematics. The first laureates will be selected by an inaugural committee of esteemed global experts, marking a significant milestone in recognizing advancements in computing.

The Selection Committee is composed of prominent figures from diverse regions, including Turing Award laureates, former university presidents, and leaders in the IT and education sectors. Their collective expertise aims to ensure a rigorous evaluation process, truly reflective of the international nature of computer science.

Committee Leadership

The committee is headed by Professor Jennifer Chayes, who serves as the Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society at UC Berkeley. According to Chayes, the committee's diversity is one of its greatest strengths. She remarked, "Our committee brings extraordinary skills from around the world, reflecting the global and interdisciplinary nature of computing today. This diversity guarantees balance, inclusivity, and thoroughness in the evaluation process."

Notable Committee Members

The planning committee chair, Professor Tony Chan, an esteemed figure in academia who has formerly presided over institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, expects the Shaw Prize to elevate the recognition of significant contributions to computer science through its prestige and credibility.

Additionally, the committee includes Professor John L. Hennessy, former president of Stanford University and a 2017 Turing Award recipient. Hennessy expressed hope that the prize would fully recognize the significance and intellectual depth of the field. Other Turing Award winners on the committee include Professors Jack Dongarra, Yann LeCun, and Joseph Sifakis. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, forming a robust foundation for selecting the inaugural winners.

Perspectives on the Prize

Professor Dongarra, who received the Turing Award in 2021, described it as a privilege to contribute to the inception of this new award, stating that he hopes it will highlight innovative ideas that are celebrated by the international community. On the other hand, Professor Sifakis emphasized the exploration of mental phenomena and understanding consciousness as critical challenges in the discipline. Moreover, Professor LeCun, executive chairman of AMI Labs and a recipient of the Turing Award in 2018, noted the vital importance of computing capabilities in shaping the present and future of humanity.

Harry Shum, the chair of the HKUST council, underscored the transformative power of computing, predicting profound and unparalleled impacts on humanity, both beneficial and concerning.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the discussions, Professor Jeannette M. Wing, executive vice president for research and professor of computer science at Columbia University, acknowledged the Shaw Prize as an homage to the field of computer science. This award is a testament to those who have not only advanced scientific understanding but have also developed technologies that reshape our everyday lives.

With nominations opening from September to November 2026 and the announcement of winners planned for spring 2027, the Shaw Prize in Computer Science is poised to become a hallmark of excellence in recognizing the vital contributions of computer scientists around the globe. This initiative not only honors past accomplishments but also inspires future innovators in a field that continues to shape our world.