Nick Jennings (computer scientist) facts for kids
{{Infobox officeholder | honorific-prefix = | name = Nick Jennings | honorific_suffix = CB FRS FREng FIET FBCS MAE CEng CITP | image = Nick-jennings-lboro.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Jennings in July 2022 | office = Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University | term_start = October 2021 | term_end = | predecessor = Robert Allison | birth_name = Nicholas Robert Jennings | birth_date = December 1966 (age 58) | birth_place = London, England
| alma_mater =
- University of Exeter
- Queen Mary University of London
| module = Nicholas Robert Jenningsis a British computer scientist. He is known for his work in AIand how computers can work together. Since 2021, he has been the Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University. Before this, he held important roles at Imperial College London. He was also the UK's first ever Regius Professor of Computer Science. He even advised the UK Government on National Security as their first Chief Scientific Adviser. His research helps computers think and work like teams. He has helped start several companies, including Aerogility and Darktrace. He also helps judge important science and engineering prizes, like the Manchester Prize for AI.
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| Spouse(s) | Joanne Jennings |
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Early Life and Education
Nicholas Jennings was born in London in 1966. He grew up on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, a beautiful area by the sea. He went to Weymouth Grammar School for his early education.
He then went on to study computer science at the University of Exeter. After that, he earned his PhD from the Department of Electronic Engineering at Queen Mary, University of London. This is where he learned a lot about how computers can be made smarter.
Research and Career Highlights
Professor Jennings focuses his research on making AI systems that can work in big, changing environments. He teaches individual computer programs, called autonomous agents, to act and interact in smart ways. He also builds systems where both humans and computer programs work together as a team.
His work has had a real impact on the world. For example, his systems have been used to:
- Help save lives after disasters.
- Assist Team GB in winning Olympic medals.
- Monitor how climate change affects glaciers.
He has written over 700 articles and helped more than 50 students get their PhDs. His research is widely recognized by other scientists.
Academic Journey
Professor Jennings started his career at Queen Mary, University of London in 1988. He worked there as a PhD student, lecturer, and later became a professor.
In 1999, he moved to the University of Southampton. There, he held several leadership roles, including Deputy Head of Department. In 2014, he was given the special title of the UK's first Regius Professor of Computer Science. This is a very old and respected title given by the King or Queen.
From 2010 to 2015, he took on a very important job for the UK Government. He was the first Chief Scientific Advisor for National Security. This meant he gave scientific advice to help keep the country safe.
In 2016, he joined Imperial College London. He became the Vice-Provost for Research and Enterprise, which means he helped guide all the research happening at the university. He was also a Professor of Artificial Intelligence there.
Finally, in 2021, he became the 9th Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University. This is a top leadership role, where he helps run the entire university.
Recognitions and Awards
Professor Jennings has received many awards and honors for his important work in computer science. In 2016, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). This was for his great contributions to computer science and national security science.
Some of his key awards include:
- IJCAI Computers and Thought Award (1999)
- IEE Achievement Medal (2000) for his work on agent-based computing.
- ACM Autonomous Agents Research Award (2003) for his contributions to agent-based computing.
- BCS Lovelace Medal (2020), a very important award in British computing.
Fellowships and Memberships
Professor Jennings is also a member of many important scientific and engineering groups. Being a "Fellow" means he is recognized as an expert in his field.
Some of his fellowships include:
- Fellow of the European Association for Artificial Intelligence (2003)
- Fellow of the British Computer Society (2003)
- Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (2004)
- Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2005)
- Member of the Academia Europaea (2008)
- Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2008)
- Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (2010)
- Fellow of the Royal Society (2022), one of the highest honors for scientists in the UK.
Personal Life
Nicholas Jennings is married to Joanne, and they have two children.
