Norwegian Computing Center facts for kids
The Norwegian Computing Center (NR), also known as Norsk Regnesentral, is a special kind of research group in Norway. It's a private, non-profit foundation that started in 1952. NR does research and development in computers and math for many different companies and public groups, both in Norway and around the world. Their projects cover many interesting problems. You can find NR's offices in Oslo, Norway, near the university campus.
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A Look Back: How NR Started
NR began its work in 1952. For many years, until 1970, a big part of their job was doing complex math calculations for other organizations. NR has been working with how computers talk to each other (data communication) since 1963.
A very important computer language called Simula was created here. Two researchers, Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard, along with their team at NR, designed and built Simula between 1962 and 1967.
After 1970, NR became a research institute focused on new methods. In 1985, NR became an independent group. They moved to their current location in 1988. They have worked with the Internet since 1973 and computer security since 1988. They also started working with multimedia (like videos and sounds) in 1994.
What NR's Science Teams Do
NR has different science teams, called departments. Each team works on specific types of research.
Research in Information Technology
This team, called DART, works on projects about computers and information. They focus on things like multimedia, keeping information safe (security), and making sure everyone can use technology easily. Besides research, they also help with ideas, analysis, and training.
Statistical Analysis and Image Work
The SAMBA team works with different kinds of math called statistics. They use statistics to study climate, the environment, and ocean resources. They also use statistics for money markets and health. This team also works on analyzing images and recognizing patterns in them.
Statistics for Natural Resources
The SAND team uses statistics to help the oil and gas industry. They are very good at using math to understand underground oil fields. Their main goal is to use statistics to reduce risks and uncertainties in this industry. They also work on understanding risks in the energy sector.
Awards and Achievements
Two researchers from NR, Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard, received a very important award called the Turing Award in 2001. They also won the IEEE John von Neumann Medal in 2002. They received these awards for creating the ideas behind object-oriented programming with their work on Simula 67. Object-oriented programming is a way to design computer programs that makes them easier to build and manage.
