Retired IBM Scientist John Cocke Wins Medal Of Science [ John is an old friend

[David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

Retired IBM Scientist John Cocke Wins Medal Of Science


September 8, 1994


John Cocke, a retired IBM Fellow and computer scientist who pioneered the
development of reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture and
optimizing compiler technology, has won the National Medal of Science,
the nation's highest scientific honor.  His selection was announced
today by the National Science Foundation at a press conference
in Washington, D.C.


In making the announcement, the NSF said it was recognizing Cocke for
"his contributions to computer science in the design and theory of
compilers, and for major advances in the theory and practice of
high-performance computer systems."


"RISC processors are the essential building blocks for today's high-
performance parallel machines.  Cocke's thinking and technical leadership
has been widely credited for setting the tone for these developments.
The RISC concept is a stunning unification of hardware architecture and
optimization compiler technology and John Cocke had the total mastery
of both fields to have made the RISC breakthrough," in the words of
the NSF.


Cocke, who retired from IBM in 1993 after a 37-year career,
has been a key figure in some of the company's most advanced
technological developments, in addition to his pivotal contributions
to the development of RISC technology and the design of optimizing
compilers.


Cocke is one of eight distinguished scientists, chosen from a
select group of nominees, who will receive the medal from President
Clinton in October.


"We are proud that John Cocke has been recognized with the nation's
highest scientific award," said IBM Chairman Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.  "He
has been a towering presence in all aspects of computer science and
engineering for almost four decades.  He has inspired countless
individuals in IBM, academia and throughout the computer industry and has
personally created inventions of enduring value."


Authorized by Congress in 1959, the medals are bestowed periodically by
the President in special recognition of outstanding contributions to the
physical, biological, mathematical, behavioral or engineering sciences.
More than 320 medals have been awarded since President Kennedy named
the first recipient in 1962.  The National Medal of Science is
administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation,
an independent federal agency which supports research and education
in the sciences, mathematics and engineering.


Cocke has contributed to advances in large systems architecture and was
involved with the Stretch computer, the engineering verification engine
for logic simulation, pipelining, and the architecture for IBM's RISC
System/6000* products.


His major research interest continues to be systems architecture,
particularly hardware design and program optimization.


* Trademark or Registered Trademark of the IBM Corporation


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