Harvard University
- ️Harvard University
- ️Wed Feb 19 2025
Computers
From designing America’s first programmable computer to creating the world’s first logical quantum processor, Harvard scholars have always pushed the limits of computer science.
The early years
Explore the major role Harvard played in the early advancement of computer science.
Computers before computers
In the late 1800s, Harvard hired Women Astronomical Computers to study Harvard College Observatory’s findings. They discovered variable stars, studied stellar spectra, and counted galaxies. Several became famous astronomers in their day, including Henrietta Swan Leavitt.
Harvard Mark I
Consisting of 765,299 parts and 530 miles of cable, the Mark I was the first programmable computer in the United States and, in 1944, easily the most complex electromechanical device ever constructed.
Grace Hopper
Using the Mark I, Grace Hopper was tasked with writing the world’s first computer programming manual. Some of the programming practices that she developed were subroutines (chunks of code that are stored and called upon when needed) and compilers (for translating source code into the machine language used by different computer processors) which are still used today.
Ivan Sutherland
Associate professor of electrical engineering Ivan Sutherland—widely considered the father of computer graphics—invented one of the earliest virtual reality headsets with his graduate student Bob Sproull. Ivan went on to teach and mentor the likes of Edwin Catmull (co-founder of Pixar), James Clark (Silicon Graphics), and John Warnock (Adobe Systems).
How did the Mark I computer change the way we think about science?
Incoming Associate Professor Marc Aidinoff explores the history of the Mark I computer and why it was such a milestone in computer science.
The computers in our pockets
The worldwide web we weave
Reassessing social media’s impact on youth
Harvard scientists trap molecules to perform quantum operations
A breakthrough using ultra-cold polar molecules as qubits may help make the super-high-speed experimental technology even faster.
Improving accuracy to make the next generation of computing a reality
Harvard researchers are working to understand the power of quantum computers relative to classical computers and develop efficient methods for error correction.
Quantum Noir fosters a sense of community among scientists of color
A Harvard conference gathers researchers and students of color interested in quantum science, nanoscience, and engineering.
A glimpse of the next-generation internet
Harvard physicists demonstrate the potential for a quantum computer network.
A quantum world on a silicon chip
Researchers have developed a platform to probe, control qubits in silicon for quantum networks.
Harvard researcher unlocks the potential of quantum technologies
Chemical Biology Professor Suyang Xu is trying to crack the secrets of new states of matter.
Towards an unhackable quantum internet
Harvard and MIT researchers demonstrate the missing link for a quantum internet.