We bid farewell to Frances Elisabeth “Fran” Allen, a pioneer in computer science who made fundamental "contributions to the theory and practice of optimizing compiler techniques that laid the foundation for modern optimizing compilers and automatic parallel execution." Allen received the 2006 ACM A.M. Turing Award for her groundbreaking work, becoming the first woman to secure the distinguished prize.

Allen had a lustrous career at IBM, working predominantly on cutting-edge programming language compilers for IBM Research. She will be remembered not only for her research, but as an inspirational, gracious mentor.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) announced earlier this year that it will honor Allen with the IEEE Frances E. Allen Medal, set to be awarded at the IEEE Honors Ceremony in 2022. Allen accumulated a bounty of accolades throughout her lifetime. She received the Augusta Ada Lovelace Award from the Association for Women in Computing, was inducted into the Women in Technology International (WITI) Hall of Fame and held various Fellowships, the ACM and IEEE being among them.  

More information on Allen’s career and legacy can be found on the IBM Research Blog.

Category: Forum