U-M alum Andrew Barto wins Turing Award

University of Michigan alum Andrew Barto (BS Math 1970, MS and PhD Computer and Communication Sciences 1975) has been named a recipient of the 2024 A.M. Turing Award by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

The highest distinction in the field of computer science and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Computing,” the Turing Award is named for Alan M. Turing, the British mathematician who defined the mathematical foundations and limits of computing and key contributor to the cryptanalysis of the German Enigma cipher and German “Tunny” encoding machine during World War II. Since its inception in 1966, the Turing Award has recognized notable computer scientists who have propelled the field forward with pivotal discoveries and innovations.

Named alongside his collaborator and former PhD student Richard S. Sutton, Barto is recognized by the ACM for the lasting impact of his work on reinforcement learning (RL), a machine learning paradigm that enables agents to make decisions by interacting with their environment. Reinforcement learning has been influential in both theoretical and practical applications, forming the basis for artificial intelligence (AI) technology widely used in robotics, healthcare, finance, and beyond.

Barto and Sutton’s foundational contributions began with developing the core ideas and algorithms that underpin RL, including temporal difference learning, which is used in a myriad of AI applications today. Their textbook, “Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction,” remains an essential reference, continuously inspiring new research and innovations in the field.

After earning his BS in Mathematics and his PhD in Computer and Communication Sciences at the University of Michigan, Barto spent the majority of his career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He joined the faculty there as a postdoctoral researcher in 1977 and went on to become a professor. During his tenure at UMass, he co-directed the Autonomous Learning Laboratory and advised numerous PhD students who have gone on to make significant contributions in computer science. Among his advisees is current CSE faculty member, Prof. Satinder Singh Baveja.

“Working with Andy was a transformative experience,” said Baveja. “His insight and expertise set the foundation for my career, and his work in reinforcement learning continues to profoundly affect the field.”

Barto retired in 2012, leaving a legacy of pioneering research and mentorship. Even in retirement, he remains an active member of the computing community, engaging with researchers in ongoing dialogues about AI safety and RL applications. His enduring influence underscores the importance of foundational research in addressing current and future technological challenges.

Barto joins the prestigious ranks of U-M alumni who have previously received this distinction. Previous U-M alum Turing Award winners include Frances Allen (2006), Edgar Codd (1981), Stephen Cook (1982), and Michael Stonebraker (2014), each of whom has left an indelible mark on the field of computer science.