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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 a 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, the most interesting of
which are:
- 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
- University
of Calgary, Faculty of
Science, Award of Excellence for Consistently Outstanding Contributions in
Teaching, April 1993.
- Awarded 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
- Honorary Doctor of Science “For
contributions to computer science, particularly its history”, University of Glasgow, 2005
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