# Mike Paterson

> British computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q1659753](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1659753)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Paterson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mike-paterson

## Summary
Mike Paterson is a British computer scientist known for his foundational contributions to theoretical computer science, particularly in algorithms, complexity theory, and combinatorial optimization. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and has mentored influential researchers, including Turing Award winner Leslie Valiant.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1942-09-13 (United Kingdom)
- **Nationality**: United Kingdom
- **Education**:
  - University of Cambridge
  - Enfield Grammar School
  - University of Warwick (Ph.D., advisor: David Park)
- **Known for**: Research in algorithms, complexity theory, and combinatorial optimization
- **Employer(s)**: University of Warwick
- **Field(s)**: Computer science

## Contributions
Mike Paterson has made significant contributions to theoretical computer science, particularly in the design and analysis of algorithms. His work includes foundational research in string matching, parallel algorithms, and computational complexity. He co-authored influential papers on the "Paterson–Stockmeyer algorithm" for string matching and contributed to the development of the "Paterson–Wegman algorithm" for dynamic programming. His research has been widely cited and has influenced the development of efficient algorithms in various domains. Paterson has also supervised numerous Ph.D. students, many of whom have become prominent computer scientists, including Leslie Valiant, Ian Parberry, and Costas S. Iliopoulos.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Mike Paterson known for?
A: Mike Paterson is known for his foundational work in theoretical computer science, particularly in algorithms, complexity theory, and combinatorial optimization. He is also recognized for mentoring influential researchers like Leslie Valiant.

### Q: Where did Mike Paterson study?
A: Mike Paterson studied at the University of Cambridge and Enfield Grammar School. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Warwick under the supervision of David Park.

### Q: What awards has Mike Paterson received?
A: Mike Paterson has received several prestigious awards, including the Dijkstra Prize (2001), the EATCS Award (2006), and the David P. Robbins Prize (2011). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society.

### Q: Who were Mike Paterson's notable students?
A: Some of Mike Paterson's notable Ph.D. students include Leslie Valiant (Turing Award winner), Ian Parberry, Paul E. Dunne, Costas S. Iliopoulos, and Jacqueline W. Daykin.

### Q: What is Mike Paterson's affiliation?
A: Mike Paterson is affiliated with the University of Warwick, where he has been a prominent faculty member in the Department of Computer Science.

## Why They Matter
Mike Paterson's work has had a lasting impact on theoretical computer science, particularly in the design and analysis of algorithms. His research has laid the groundwork for efficient string matching and dynamic programming techniques, which are fundamental to modern computing. Paterson's influence extends beyond his own research through his mentorship of numerous Ph.D. students, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the field. His recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society and recipient of prestigious awards underscores his importance in the academic community.

## Notable For
- Fellow of the Royal Society (elected 2001)
- Recipient of the Dijkstra Prize (2001)
- Recipient of the EATCS Award (2006)
- Recipient of the David P. Robbins Prize (2011)
- Doctoral advisor to Leslie Valiant, Ian Parberry, and other prominent computer scientists

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mike Paterson was born on September 13, 1942, in the United Kingdom. He attended Enfield Grammar School and later studied at the University of Cambridge. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Warwick under the supervision of David Park.

### Academic Career
Paterson has been a faculty member at the University of Warwick, where he has conducted influential research in theoretical computer science. His work spans algorithms, complexity theory, and combinatorial optimization.

### Research Contributions
Paterson's research includes the development of the Paterson–Stockmeyer algorithm for string matching and contributions to the Paterson–Wegman algorithm for dynamic programming. His work has been widely cited and has influenced the development of efficient algorithms in various domains.

### Awards and Honors
Paterson has received several prestigious awards, including:
- Dijkstra Prize (2001)
- EATCS Award (2006)
- David P. Robbins Prize (2011)
- Fellow of the Royal Society (elected 2001)

### Mentorship and Legacy
Paterson has supervised numerous Ph.D. students, many of whom have become prominent computer scientists. Notable students include Leslie Valiant, Ian Parberry, Paul E. Dunne, Costas S. Iliopoulos, and Jacqueline W. Daykin.

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## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://nms.kcl.ac.uk/jackie.daykin/)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. www.ae-info.org
7. [Source](https://www.theiet.org/impact-society/thought-leadership/expert-panels/uk-computing-research-committee-ukcrc/members-of-ukcrc/ukcrc-members/)
8. Autoritats UB
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File