# Rachid Guerraoui > Moroccan-Swiss computer scientist **Wikidata**: [Q59149378](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59149378) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachid_Guerraoui) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rachid-guerraoui ## Summary Rachid Guerraoui is a Moroccan-Swiss computer scientist recognized for his contributions to the theory and practice of reliable distributed computing. He has held academic positions at prestigious institutions, including the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Collège de France. In 2012, he was named a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ## Biography - **Born:** January 5, 1967 in Rabat, Morocco - **Nationality:** Moroccan; Swiss (citizen since 1998) - **Education:** University of Paris-Sud; Doctoral advisor: Christian Fluhr - **Known for:** Contributions to the theory and practice of reliable distributed computing - **Employer(s):** Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Collège de France - **Field(s):** Computer Science ## Contributions Rachid Guerraoui has established a distinguished career focused on the advancement of computer science, particularly in the domain of distributed computing. His specific contributions were formally recognized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), which cited him "for contributions to the theory and practice of reliable distributed computing." This designation highlights his role in developing methods that ensure computer systems function correctly and consistently even when components fail or act unpredictably. Beyond his research, Guerraoui has played a significant role in higher education and academic leadership across multiple countries. He has served as an educator and researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and has been affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States and the Collège de France. His influence extends to the next generation of computer scientists; he served as the doctoral advisor for Dan Alistarh, who completed his Ph.D. at EPFL in 2012. Guerraoui’s work bridges the gap between theoretical underpinnings and practical applications in computing, solidifying his reputation in the global scientific community. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Rachid Guerraoui's primary field of research? A: Rachid Guerraoui specializes in computer science, with specific contributions cited in the theory and practice of reliable distributed computing. ### Q: When did Rachid Guerraoui become an ACM Fellow? A: He was named an ACM Fellow on December 11, 2012, for his contributions to reliable distributed computing. ### Q: What is Rachid Guerraoui's educational background? A: He was educated at the University of Paris-Sud, where he completed his doctorate under the supervision of Christian Fluhr. ### Q: Which institutions has Rachid Guerraoui worked for? A: He has been employed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Collège de France. ## Why They Matter Rachid Guerraoui matters significantly to the field of computer science due to his dual impact on the theoretical and practical aspects of distributed computing. As the industry moves increasingly toward cloud-based and decentralized systems, the "reliable distributed computing" principles he champions are essential for maintaining data integrity and system availability. His recognition as an ACM Fellow places him among the top 1% of ACM members, signifying that his work has had a distinguished, lasting impact on the computing field. Furthermore, his career trajectory is a notable example of cross-cultural academic success. Born in Morocco and later becoming a Swiss citizen in 1998, he has risen to hold positions at some of the world's most elite institutions, including MIT and the Collège de France. By mentoring successful researchers like Dan Alistarh, he ensures the continued evolution of algorithmic research. His standing is also evidenced by his extensive presence in academic identifiers and libraries worldwide, from the Library of Congress to the French National Library, cementing his legacy as a global authority in his domain. ## Notable For - **ACM Fellow (2012):** Recognized for contributions to the theory and practice of reliable distributed computing. - **International Career:** Holding positions at MIT, the Collège de France, and EPFL. - **Dual Nationality:** A prominent Moroccan-Swiss figure in the scientific community. - **Academic Mentorship:** Doctoral advisor to Dan Alistarh (Ph.D., 2012). - **Global Scholarly Presence:** Holds records in major libraries including the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the Library of Congress (ID: n94023324). ## Body ### Background and Early Life Rachid Guerraoui was born on January 5, 1967, in Rabat, Morocco. He pursued higher education in France, attending the University of Paris-Sud. He completed his doctoral studies under the supervision of Christian Fluhr. While born in Morocco, he acquired Swiss citizenship in 1998. ### Academic Appointments Guerraoui has built a robust academic portfolio across three major institutions: * **Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL):** A primary employer and site of his professorial work. * **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):** An affiliated institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. * **Collège de France:** An institution where he has held a position, further cementing his status in the French-speaking academic world. ### Research and Recognition Guerraoui's career is defined by his expertise in computer science, specifically cited as "reliable distributed computing." * **ACM Fellowship:** In 2012, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) named him a Fellow. * **Contribution:** The ACM specifically honored his work on the "theory and practice" of making distributed systems reliable. * **Doctoral Supervision:** He supervised Dan Alistarh, who obtained a Ph.D. from EPFL in 2012 and is also a recognized computer scientist. ### Identifiers and Records Rachid Guerraoui maintains a comprehensive digital footprint across global academic databases: * **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n94023324 * **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID:** 151263926 * **DBLP Author ID:** g/RachidGuerraoui * **Google Scholar ID:** _TR-7CEAAAAJ * **ISNI:** 0000000117516132 * **Mathematics Genealogy Project ID:** 216633 ## References 1. [Source](https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/passeport-suisse-moi-rachid-guerraoui-policiers-mont-offert-un-verre-blanc) 2. [Source](https://www.acm.org/media-center/2012/december/acm-fellows-named-for-computing-innovations-that-advance-technologies-in-information-age) 3. Mathematics Genealogy Project 4. CiNii Research 5. VIAF ID