Dr. Michael R. Williams

Michael R. Williams graduated in 1964 with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Alberta and in 1968 he obtained a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Glasgow. In 1969 he joined the University of Calgary, first in the Department of Mathematics then as a Professor of Computer Science. It was while working at Glasgow that he acquired an interest in the history of computing, something which has developed over the years into his main research and teaching interest. He has participated in the publishing of 11 books, 88 articles, 58 technical reviews, delivered 72 invited lectures in several different subject areas and has been involved in the creation of 9 different radio, television, and museum productions. During his career he has had the opportunity to work for extended periods at several different universities and at the National Museum of American History (Smithsonian Institution) and as Head Curator at the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley. Besides his work as Editor-in-Chief for the journal ?The Annals of the History of Computing?, he has worked closely with the IEEE History Committee (serving as its chairman in 1994 and 1995), the IEEE History Center, and is a member of editorial boards concerned with publishing material in the area of the history of computing. His involvement with IEEE Computer Society publishing eventually led him to become Editor-in-Chief of the Computer Society Press, Vice-President for Publications, and eventually as the 2007 President of the IEEE Computer Society. During his career he has received several awards which include: the C.C. Gotlieb Award - "In recognition of Outstanding Contributions to the Canadian Information Processing Society and to the Profession on CIPS behalf." Presented by Canadian Prime Minister, May 17, 1990; The University of Calgary, Faculty of Science, Award of Excellence for Consistently Outstanding Contributions in Teaching, April 1993; The Order of the Good Servant (an award given to one person each year in recognition of their services to the University of Calgary Faculty Association), April 10, 1996; IEEE Computer Society Meritorious Service Award "For dedicated and outstanding service as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Annals between 1996 and 1999"; IEEE Computer Society Golden Core Member, 2005; and An Honorary Doctor of Science ?For contributions to computer science, particularly its history?, University of Glasgow, 2005. In ?Turing?s Cathedral? by George Dyson he is listed along with Martin Campbell-Kelly regarding ?The Moore School Lectures? (1946), Charles Babbage Institute Reprint Series No. 9, (Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, 1985)