# Scott Aaronson

> American quantum computing researcher (1981-)

**Wikidata**: [Q4054157](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4054157)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Aaronson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scott-aaronson

## Summary
Scott Aaronson is an American computer scientist and quantum computing researcher, born in 1981. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum computing and computational complexity theory, having received prestigious awards such as the Alan T. Waterman Award and the ACM Prize in Computing.

## Biography
- Born: May 21, 1981, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of California, Berkeley; Cornell University
- Known for: Groundbreaking contributions to quantum computing and computational complexity theory
- Employer(s): Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, University of Waterloo, University of Texas at Austin
- Field(s): Computational complexity theory, quantum computer

## Contributions
Scott Aaronson has made significant contributions to the fields of quantum computing and computational complexity theory. His work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Alan T. Waterman Award in 2012 and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2009. In 2020, he received the ACM Prize in Computing for his "groundbreaking contributions to quantum computing." He was also named an ACM Fellow in 2019 for his "contributions to quantum computing and computational complexity." Aaronson has served as a doctoral advisor to several students, including Andrew Donald Drucker, Michael Andrew Forbes, Adam Michael Bouland, Shalev Ben-David, and Aleksandr Arkhipov, contributing to the development of new researchers in his field. His academic career has included roles at institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Institute for Advanced Study, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Texas at Austin.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Scott Aaronson known for?
A: Scott Aaronson is known for his groundbreaking research in quantum computing and computational complexity theory. His work has earned him significant recognition and awards in these fields.

### Q: Where has Scott Aaronson worked?
A: Scott Aaronson has been employed by several prominent institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Institute for Advanced Study, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Texas at Austin.

### Q: What awards has Scott Aaronson received?
A: Scott Aaronson has received numerous awards, including the Alan T. Waterman Award in 2012, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2009, and the ACM Prize in Computing in 2020. He was also named an ACM Fellow in 2019.

## Why They Matter
Scott Aaronson's work is crucial to the advancement of quantum computing and computational complexity theory, shaping the understanding and development of these complex fields. His "groundbreaking contributions" have been recognized by major awards like the ACM Prize in Computing and the Alan T. Waterman Award, underscoring his influence. By exploring the theoretical limits and capabilities of quantum computers, he helps define the future potential and practical applications of this transformative technology. His role as a doctoral advisor further extends his impact, guiding the next generation of researchers who will continue to push the boundaries of computer science. Without his foundational and ongoing research, the trajectory of quantum computing and our understanding of computational difficulty would be significantly different.

## Notable For
*   Recipient of the ACM Prize in Computing in 2020 for groundbreaking contributions to quantum computing.
*   Awarded the Alan T. Waterman Award in 2012.
*   Recognized as an ACM Fellow in 2019 for contributions to quantum computing and computational complexity.
*   A leading researcher in the fields of quantum computing and computational complexity theory.
*   Served as a doctoral advisor to multiple students in the field.

## Body

### Personal Life and Background
Scott Joel Aaronson was born on May 21, 1981, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He holds United States citizenship. His birth name is Scott Joel Aaronson. He is married to Dana Moshkovitz. Aaronson identifies as an atheist.

### Education and Academic Mentorship
Aaronson pursued his education at Cornell University and the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral advisor was Umesh Vazirani. He has also advised several doctoral students, including Andrew Donald Drucker, Michael Andrew Forbes, Adam Michael Bouland, Shalev Ben-David, and Aleksandr Arkhipov.

### Career and Research Focus
A computer scientist by occupation, Scott Aaronson's primary fields of work are computational complexity theory and quantum computing. He has held positions at several esteemed institutions:
*   Massachusetts Institute of Technology
*   Institute for Advanced Study
*   University of Waterloo
*   University of Texas at Austin

### Awards and Recognition
Aaronson has received significant accolades for his work:
*   **Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers**: Awarded in 2009.
*   **Alan T. Waterman Award**: Received in 2012.
*   **Messenger Lectures**: Delivered in 2017.
*   **ACM Fellow**: Recognized in 2019 for "contributions to quantum computing and computational complexity."
*   **ACM Prize in Computing**: Awarded in 2020 for "groundbreaking contributions to quantum computing."

### Professional Affiliations
He is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery, having been recognized as an ACM Fellow in 2019.

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## References

1. [From Boston to Austin. 2016](https://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=2620)
2. [Source](https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=123406)
3. [Source](https://www.nsf.gov/awards/PECASE/results.jsp)
4. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/acm-prize/award-recipients)
5. [Source](https://www.acm.org/media-center/2019/december/fellows-2019)
6. [Source](https://deanoffaculty.cornell.edu/faculty-and-academic-affairs/messengeruniversity-lectures/university-and-messenger-lectures-1960-present/)
7. Mathematics Genealogy Project
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. MusicBrainz
11. Google Knowledge Graph
12. Davos 2020 Participant List
13. IdRef