ACM/IEEE CS Ken Kennedy Award
Established in memory of Ken Kennedy, the founder of Rice University's nationally ranked computer science program and one of the world's foremost experts on high-performance computing. A certificate and $5,000 honorarium are awarded jointly by the ACM and the IEEE Computer Society for outstanding contributions to programmability or productivity in high-performance computing together with significant community service or mentoring contributions.
Nomination Deadline:
30 June 2026 - 11:59PM EDT
Past Recipients
2024
David A. Padua
For innovative and impactful contributions to the theory and practice of parallel compilation and tools, outstanding mentorship, and community service.
For innovative and impactful contributions to the theory and practice of parallel compilation and tools, outstanding mentorship, and community service.
2023
Keshav Pingali
For contributions to programmability of high-performance parallel computing on irregular algorithms and graph algorithms.
For contributions to programmability of high-performance parallel computing on irregular algorithms and graph algorithms.
2022
Ian T. Foster
For contributions to programmability and productivity in computing via the establishment of new programming models and foundational science services.
For contributions to programmability and productivity in computing via the establishment of new programming models and foundational science services.
2021
David Abramson
For innovation in parallel and distributed computing tools with broad applications, as well as leadership contributions to professional service, creating international technical communities, and mentoring.
For innovation in parallel and distributed computing tools with broad applications, as well as leadership contributions to professional service, creating international technical communities, and mentoring.
2020
Vivek Sarkar
For foundational technical contributions to the area of programmability and productivity in parallel computing, as well as leadership contributions to professional service, mentoring, and teaching.
For foundational technical contributions to the area of programmability and productivity in parallel computing, as well as leadership contributions to professional service, mentoring, and teaching.
2019
Geoffrey Charles Fox
Foundational contributions to parallel computing methodology, algorithms and software, data analysis, and their interface with broad classes of applications, and mentoring students at minority-serving institutions.
Foundational contributions to parallel computing methodology, algorithms and software, data analysis, and their interface with broad classes of applications, and mentoring students at minority-serving institutions.
2018
Sarita Adve
For research contributions and leadership in the development of memory consistency models for C++ and Java, for service to numerous computer science organizations, and for exceptional mentoring.
For research contributions and leadership in the development of memory consistency models for C++ and Java, for service to numerous computer science organizations, and for exceptional mentoring.
2017
Jesus Labarta
For his contributions to programming models and performance analysis tools for High Performance Computing.
For his contributions to programming models and performance analysis tools for High Performance Computing.
2016
William D. Gropp
For highly influential contributions to the programmability of high-performance parallel and distributed computers, and extraordinary service to the profession.
For highly influential contributions to the programmability of high-performance parallel and distributed computers, and extraordinary service to the profession.
2015
Katherine Yelick
For advancing the programmability of HPC systems, strategic national leadership, and mentorship in academia and government labs.
For advancing the programmability of HPC systems, strategic national leadership, and mentorship in academia and government labs.
2014
Charles Leiserson
For your enduring influence on parallel computing systems and their adoption into mainstream use through scholarly research and development and for distinguished mentoring of computer science leaders and students.
For your enduring influence on parallel computing systems and their adoption into mainstream use through scholarly research and development and for distinguished mentoring of computer science leaders and students.
2013
Jack Dongarra
For influential contributions to mathematical software, performance measurement, and parallel programming, and significant leadership and service within the HPC community.
For influential contributions to mathematical software, performance measurement, and parallel programming, and significant leadership and service within the HPC community.
2012
Mary Lou Soffa
For contributions to compiler technology and software engineering, exemplary service to the profession, and lifelong dedication to mentoring and improving diversity in computing.
For contributions to compiler technology and software engineering, exemplary service to the profession, and lifelong dedication to mentoring and improving diversity in computing.
2011
Susan L. Graham
For foundational compilation algorithms and programming tools; research and discipline leadership; and exceptional mentoring.
For foundational compilation algorithms and programming tools; research and discipline leadership; and exceptional mentoring.
2010
David Kuck
For his pioneering contributions to compiler technology and parallel computing, the profound impact of his research on industry, and the widespread and long-lasting influence of his teaching and mentoring.
For his pioneering contributions to compiler technology and parallel computing, the profound impact of his research on industry, and the widespread and long-lasting influence of his teaching and mentoring.
2009
Francine Berman
For her influential leadership in the design, development and deployment of national-scale cyberinfrastructure, her-inspiring work as a teacher and mentor, and her exemplary service to the high performance community.
For her influential leadership in the design, development and deployment of national-scale cyberinfrastructure, her-inspiring work as a teacher and mentor, and her exemplary service to the high performance community.
