# Neil D. Jones

> American computer scientist & Danish knight

**Wikidata**: [Q16979978](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16979978)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_D._Jones)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neil-d-jones

## Summary
Neil D. Jones was an American-Danish computer scientist and professor known for his pioneering work in programming languages, computational complexity, and informatics. He was a distinguished researcher, educator, and mentor who made significant contributions to the field of computer science, particularly in the study of programming languages and computational systems. Jones was also recognized as a knight in Denmark for his academic achievements.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 22, 1941, in Centralia, USA
- **Nationality**: United States (until 1991), Kingdom of Denmark (from 1991)
- **Education**:
  - Western University
  - Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- **Known for**: Research in programming languages, computational complexity, and informatics
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Pennsylvania State University (1967–1973)
  - University of Kansas (1973–1981)
  - Aarhus University (1979–1981)
  - University of Copenhagen (1982–2007)
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, informatics, programming languages

## Contributions
Neil D. Jones made significant contributions to the field of computer science, particularly in programming languages and computational complexity. His work included the development of the **flow chart language** (1989), a programming language designed for communicating instructions to machines. Jones was also a prolific researcher, publishing influential papers on computational systems and data storage. He mentored numerous doctoral students, many of whom became prominent computer scientists, including **Mads Tofte**, **Peter Sestoft**, and **Torben Æ. Mogensen**. His research and teaching had a lasting impact on the academic community, particularly in Denmark, where he spent much of his career.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Neil D. Jones known for?
A: Neil D. Jones was known for his research in programming languages, computational complexity, and informatics. He developed the flow chart language and mentored many influential computer scientists.

### Q: Where did Neil D. Jones work?
A: Jones worked at several institutions, including Pennsylvania State University, the University of Kansas, Aarhus University, and the University of Copenhagen, where he spent most of his career.

### Q: What awards did Neil D. Jones receive?
A: Jones was awarded the **Programming Languages Achievement Award** in 2014 and was named an **ACM Fellow** in 1998. He was also a member of **Academia Europaea** and a knight in Denmark.

### Q: Who were Neil D. Jones' notable students?
A: Some of his notable doctoral students include **Mads Tofte**, **Peter Sestoft**, **Torben Æ. Mogensen**, and **Kristoffer Rose**, all of whom became prominent computer scientists.

### Q: When did Neil D. Jones pass away?
A: Neil D. Jones passed away on March 27, 2023, due to complications from COVID-19.

## Why They Matter
Neil D. Jones' work in programming languages and computational complexity has had a lasting impact on the field of computer science. His research laid the groundwork for modern programming language design and computational theory. As a mentor, he shaped the careers of many prominent computer scientists, ensuring his influence extended beyond his own publications. His contributions to academia, particularly in Denmark, helped establish the country as a hub for computer science research. Without his work, the development of programming languages and computational systems might have taken a different path.

## Notable For
- Developing the **flow chart language** (1989)
- Being named an **ACM Fellow** (1998)
- Receiving the **Programming Languages Achievement Award** (2014)
- Mentoring influential computer scientists, including **Mads Tofte** and **Peter Sestoft**
- Being recognized as a **knight in Denmark** for his academic contributions

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Neil D. Jones was born on March 22, 1941, in Centralia, USA. He pursued his education at **Western University** and **Southern Illinois University Carbondale**, where he developed his interest in computer science.

### Career and Research
Jones began his academic career at **Pennsylvania State University** (1967–1973) before moving to the **University of Kansas** (1973–1981). He also spent time at **Aarhus University** (1979–1981) before joining the **University of Copenhagen** in 1982, where he remained until his retirement in 2007.

His research focused on **programming languages**, **computational complexity**, and **informatics**. One of his notable contributions was the development of the **flow chart language** in 1989, a programming language designed for communicating instructions to machines.

### Mentorship and Legacy
Jones was a prolific mentor, supervising numerous doctoral students who went on to become influential computer scientists. Some of his notable students include:
- **Mads Tofte**
- **Peter Sestoft**
- **Torben Æ. Mogensen**
- **Kristoffer Rose**

### Awards and Honors
- **ACM Fellow** (1998)
- **Programming Languages Achievement Award** (2014)
- Member of **Academia Europaea** (1998)
- Recognized as a **knight in Denmark** for his academic contributions

### Later Life and Death
Neil D. Jones passed away on March 27, 2023, due to complications from COVID-19. His work continues to influence the field of computer science, particularly in programming languages and computational theory.

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## References

1. [BnF authorities](https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12969715c)
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. [Source](https://hjemmesider.diku.dk/~neil/CV-NDJ-HTML/CV-NDJ.html)
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. [Source](https://di.ku.dk/english/news/2023/obituary-for-professor-emeritus-at-diku-neil-jones/)
6. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
7. [Source](https://di.ku.dk/english/research/phd/)
8. general catalog of BnF
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://www.ae-info.org/ae/Member/Jones_Neil)
12. [LIBRIS. 2003](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/ljx02b64200pccv)
13. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File