Andries van Dam Professorship

Andries van Dam Professorship. This endowed chair at Brown University is a prestigious academic position established to honor the pioneering work of Andries van Dam, a foundational figure in computer graphics and hypertext systems. The professorship supports a distinguished faculty member within the School of Engineering or the Department of Computer Science at Brown University, enabling advanced research and educational leadership. It stands as a testament to Andries van Dam's enduring legacy in shaping the fields of human-computer interaction and computational science.

History and establishment

The professorship was formally established in 2002 through a major gift from Thomas J. Watson Jr., the former chairman of IBM and a prominent Brown University alumnus. This endowment was created to permanently honor the profound impact of Andries van Dam, who co-founded the computer science department at Brown University and whose research laid groundwork for modern interactive computing. The creation of the chair coincided with a period of significant growth for the School of Engineering, reinforcing the university's commitment to leadership in computer engineering and applied mathematics. The establishment followed Andries van Dam's receipt of the Steven Anson Coons Award and his influential role in the development of the Electronic Visualization Laboratory.

Selection and appointment process

Appointment to this distinguished chair is governed by a rigorous internal process at Brown University, typically initiated by the Provost in consultation with the dean of the School of Engineering and the chair of the Department of Computer Science. Candidates are eminent scholars with internationally recognized research records in fields aligned with the legacy of Andries van Dam, such as computer graphics, data visualization, or educational technology. The selection committee, which may include senior faculty like previous recipients of the ACM SIGGRAPH awards, evaluates contributions to both pioneering research and transformative teaching. The final appointment is approved by the Corporation of Brown University, the institution's governing body.

Notable holders

The inaugural holder was John F. Hughes, a renowned researcher in computer graphics and scientific visualization who has collaborated extensively with institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Another distinguished holder is Daniel Ritchie, a leading figure in geometric modeling and computational geometry whose work has influenced software used at Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios. These professors have continued the interdisciplinary tradition championed by Andries van Dam, often partnering with organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Association for Computing Machinery. Their tenures are marked by significant publications in venues like the ACM Transactions on Graphics and mentorship of students who have gone on to careers at Google and Microsoft Research.

Impact and contributions

Holders of the professorship have driven major advances in core computer science disciplines, producing foundational work in rendering algorithms, virtual reality, and user interface design. Their research has direct applications in industries ranging from Hollywood visual effects to NASA simulation systems. Pedagogically, they have revolutionized curriculum within the School of Engineering, developing new courses in data science and human-centered design that integrate principles from cognitive science and electrical engineering. This work amplifies the educational mission exemplified by Andries van Dam's co-authorship of the seminal textbook *"Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice"* and his advocacy for the World Wide Web Consortium.

Endowment and funding

The chair is supported by a permanent endowment fund managed by the Brown University Investment Office, with the initial gift from Thomas J. Watson Jr. being augmented by subsequent donations from alumni and corporate partners like Adobe Inc. and Intel. The endowment's returns provide sustained financial support for the holder's research, enabling the procurement of advanced equipment from suppliers such as NVIDIA and funding for graduate student fellowships. This financial model ensures the professorship's independence and long-term stability, allowing it to support ambitious, long-range research projects that might involve collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Category:Brown University Category:Academic chairs Category:Computer science awards