Happy New Year Alan #Turing

Turing's statue on his birthday in Manchester

As 2013 rolls in around the world the Alan Turing Year comes to end and what a year it has been - beyond our wildest expectations. We always new there were going to be some major academic conferences honouring the legacy of the father of computer science, but we didn't expect the literally hundreds of conferences, meetings and public lectures that took place all over the world. We knew there would be some major museum exhibitions but again we didn't expect the numerous and diverse events that took place celebrating Turing's genius. We knew there would be some major publications from the usual Turing experts, but again we didn't expect science-fiction books, childrens' stories and more: art projects, plays, music, an opera, dance, documentaries and other projects that defy easy categorisation. The news media and commentators have published hundreds of articles on Turing and the radio and TV followed. Turing has not received a pardon (yet), but he still may grace the next £10 note.
   2013 is a new year for Alan Turing - I believe that he is now much better known and understood than he was on January 1st 2012 - the Alan Turing Year (and all who were involved) has started the process of Turing claiming his rightful place as one of the greatest minds who ever lived.

[Note: although the Alan Turing Year has ended, such is the interest that events are continuing into 2013, check the Alan Turing Year website for details. Also plans are in progress to archive as much of the activity that took place in 2012 under the Alan Turing Legacy.]

New Zealand first to celebrate #Turing's centenary

Alan Turing aged 5

As ever New Zealand is the first country on the planet to see in the new day. It therefore gives me great pleasure to be the first person on earth to say,   "Happy Birthday Alan!"


   There are so many reasons why we are celebrating your centenary, and there are so many more people who have yet to learn of your remarkable achievements and of your legacy - we'll not stop celebrating until 2012 is all done. Our celebrations though are tinged with sadness - almost a collective guilt for how poorly our society eventually treated you.
   However, today let's dwell on happy memories - a photograph of a 5 year old boy modeling a new sailor suit for a birthday portrait. I expect we can asume that Sara, his proud mother, was watching her "beautiful boy" being photographed. Imagine how proud she'd be now to know that whole world is celebrating her son's genius!


For information about all the events and activities still to take place celebrating Turing's centenary visit The Alan Turing Year.

Happy Alan Turing Year

The Alan Turing Year starts today! You're using a computer to read this so it's time to honour the man who first discovered the concept of the Universal Machine (the computer) and acknowledge his genius.
    Events are planned to celebrate the centenary of his birth all over the world, so where ever you live you can participate. If there isn't an event locally why not organise one yourself.
For information about all the global events go to The Alan Turing Year: http://www.turingcentenary.eu/