Professor Aggelos Kiayias, Director of the Blockchain Technology Lab at the University of Edinburgh, has received the 2024 BCS Lovelace Medal, one of the most distinguished honours in computing, for his impactful contributions to cybersecurity and cryptography.
Named after Ada Lovelace – the 19th-century mathematician considered the first computer programmer – the Lovelace Medal is awarded to individuals who advance the frontiers of computing. Professor Kiayias’ influential research has redefined standards in blockchain protocol design, particularly in energy efficiency, privacy, and interoperability. His work has shaped the role of blockchain in fields such as finance and public services, safeguarding systems that now impact millions globally. Reflecting on the award, Professor Kiayias expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting the importance of secure digital infrastructure as society increasingly relies on global technology networks.
It is a special honour to receive the BCS Lovelace Medal. I am grateful to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for recognising my work and for highlighting Cyber Security and Cryptography, two areas of computer science that are of pressing importance, especially now when information technology services scale globally and so much depends on their resilience. I want to also express my gratitude to my students and colleagues whose collaboration over the years has been invaluable.
The 2024 Lovelace Medal also celebrates the achievements of Dr. Sue Sentance, who has reshaped computing education by integrating computer science into school curricula, and Professor Philippa Gardner, recognised for her contributions to programming language theory, improving software reliability and functionality.
The BCS Lovelace Medal acknowledges the influence of computing on modern life and honours those whose work drives the field forward. Professor Kiayias’ research highlights the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity and blockchain in today’s interconnected digital landscape.
For more details on Professor Kiayias’ achievements and the historical impact of the Lovelace Medal, please refer to the links below:
BCS Lovelace Medal Wikipedia article
School of Informatics’ coverage.
