ACM A.M. Turing Award (2024)

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) has awarded the prestigious ACM A.M. Turing Award (2024) to Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the development of reinforcement learning. Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Computing,” the Turing Award recognizes their pioneering work, which has become a cornerstone of modern AI systems.

• Barto, Andrew G.
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• Sutton, Richard S.
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Andrew Barto, a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Richard Sutton, a professor at the University of Alberta and a research scientist at DeepMind, began their collaboration in the 1980s. At a time when AI was dominated by rule-based systems, their work on reinforcement learning introduced a new paradigm for machine learning. Their 1998 book, Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction, co-authored with Barto, remains a seminal text in the field and has inspired countless researchers and practitioners.

The impact of their work is evident in the real-world applications of reinforcement learning today. For instance, DeepMind’s AlphaGo, which defeated the world champion in the ancient game of Go, relied heavily on reinforcement learning techniques. Similarly, reinforcement learning is now used to optimize energy consumption in data centers, improve healthcare diagnostics, and even design new materials.

Reinforcement learning, a subfield of machine learning, is inspired by behavioral psychology and focuses on how agents can learn to make decisions by interacting with their environment. Barto and Sutton’s foundational research laid the groundwork for algorithms that enable machines to learn through trial and error, using rewards and penalties to guide their behavior. This approach has powered some of the most impressive advancements in AI, from mastering complex games like Go and chess to enabling breakthroughs in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and personalized recommendation systems.

In honoring Barto and Sutton, the ACM highlights their technical contributions and their role as mentors and educators who have shaped the next generation of AI researchers. Their work has fundamentally transformed how we think about learning in machines and has opened up new possibilities for AI to solve complex, real-world problems.

As we celebrate their achievements, it’s clear that Barto and Sutton’s legacy will continue to influence the field of AI for decades to come. Their pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing the science of reinforcement learning remind us that the most profound innovations often begin with curiosity and a willingness to explore the unknown.

Congratulations to Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton on this well-deserved honor! Their work stands as a testament to the power of foundational research in shaping the future of technology.