Nick Jennings, Professor of Computer Science, has been made Companion of the Order of the Bath in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for his services to computer science and national security science.
Professor Jennings, who is Head Electronics and Computer Science, has been recognised for his pioneering contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and agent-based computing. He is the UK’s only Regius Professor in Computer Science, a prestigious title awarded to the University by HM The Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
He has just finished a six-year term of office as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government in the area of National Security. He was the inaugural post holder and helped ensure that the best possible use of science and technology is made for national security purposes.
Professor Jennings said:
“I am delighted to receive such an award and feel it is recognition for the excellent teams I have worked with, both in the University and in Government. It’s been a real privilege to see fledgling ideas pulled through into real-world applications in both roles.”
An internationally-recognised authority in the areas of agent-based computing and intelligent systems, Professor Jennings research covers both the science and the engineering of these systems. Specifically, he has undertaken fundamental research on automated bargaining, mechanism design, trust and reputation, coalition formation, human-agent collectives and crowd sourcing.
Professor Jennings is also a successful entrepreneur and is Chief Scientific Officer for Aerogility, a 20 person start-up that develops advanced software solutions for the aerospace and defence sectors.
Professor Sir Christopher Snowden said:
“I am delighted that the unique contribution Nick has made through his research is being recognised with this prestigious honour.
“He richly deserves it for his personal achievements but it is also an honour for the University of Southampton.”