Renowned digital policy expert, Professor Tom Crick MBE of Swansea University, will receive the BCS Lovelace Medal later this year, in recognition of his significant contribution to computer science education.
The Lovelace Medal is presented annually by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for outstanding contributions to the advancement of computing.
Established in 1998 to honour Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician renowned for her contributions to Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, the BCS Lovelace Medal, recognizes individuals in research and education who have made significant strides in computing.
Winners, chosen by an annual panel appointed by the BCS Academy of Computing Board, are evaluated based on the originality, impact, and ethical implications of their work, with a focus on advancing the field of computing.
This year, the Lovelace Education Medal has been awarded to Tom Crick, Professor of Digital Education & Policy and Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Swansea University, while Demis Hassabis and Professor Hillston have each been announced as winners of the Lovelace Research Medal. The three will receive their Medals in December.
Based between the School of Social Sciences and Swansea University’s £32m Computational Foundry, Professor Crick receives the Lovelace Medal for Education for his contributions to computer science education across research, policy, and practice. He is recognised internationally for leading the major STEM education and skills reforms in Wales over a sustained period, alongside wider leadership in UK digital, engineering and technology policy to support a thriving digital and data-driven economy.
Professor Crick also has extensive independent expert advisory, non-executive governance and assurance experience, across the public and private sectors, including Welsh and UK Government roles.
Professor Crick said: “It has never been more important to critically assess the potential impact of computing and digital technologies across all areas of policy, from national infrastructure and the economy, health and wellbeing, to heritage and culture – with education and skills being the foundation. That’s why I’m delighted and honoured to accept the BCS Lovelace Medal for Education. Now more than ever, we need to think about what it means to be a citizen in a digital, data-driven, computational and AI-enabled world. I’m hugely grateful to a diverse collection of colleagues, collaborators and mentors for helping make this wider work possible.”
Rashik Parmar MBE, Group Chief Executive of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “All three have advanced the global reputation of computing as a force for good, working across areas like AI, mathematical modelling with applications in science, and in teaching the next generation of computing leaders. All are innovators who have changed society for the better and helped increase our understanding of how the world works through information technology. We are incredibly proud to be able to honour them at a time when computing is being woven into every aspect of scientific research, industry, and teaching.”