Origins & Early Life

Ivan Edward Sutherland (born May 16, 1938) is an American computer scientist, widely regarded as a pioneer of computer graphics. His early work in computer graphics, as well as his teaching with David C. Evans in that subject at the University of Utah in the 1970s, was pioneering in the field. Sutherland, Evans, and their students from that era developed several foundations of modern computer graphics.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He received the 1988 ACM Turing Award for the invention of the Sketchpad, an early predecessor to the sort of graphical user interface that has become ubiquitous in personal computers, and his contributions to computer graphics. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, as well as the National Academy of Sciences among many other major awards. In 2012, he was awarded the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology for "pioneering achievements in the development of computer graphics and interactive interfaces". Sutherland's father was from New Zealand; his mother, Anne Sutherland, was from Scotland. His family moved to Wilmette, Illinois, then Scarsdale, New York, for his father's career.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Bert Sutherland, also a computer scientist, was his elder brother...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alan Bond — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• Albert Fert — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Pioneering physicist known for the discovery of giant magnetoresistance.
• Anthony Leggett — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for work on superfluidity and low-temperature quantum systems.
• Andy Kaufman — Shared historical date (05-16 · Died) (1984): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Bronisław Malinowski — Shared historical date (05-16 · Died) (1942): Pioneering anthropologist known for intensive fieldwork and functionalist theory.
• Behrouz Vossoughi — Historical peer (Born in 1938) (1938): Esteemed Iranian actor, celebrated for his intense performances across film and theatre.
• Ben E. King — Historical peer (Born in 1938) (1938): Iconic American soul and R&B singer, celebrated for group hits and solo anthems.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and deeply engaging vocal style.
• Adele — Historical peer (Born in 1988) (1988): Iconic English singer-songwriter celebrated for powerful mezzo-soprano vocals.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• 1938 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1938
• May 16 (05-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 16