Howard Aiken
Harvard physicist who conceived the Harvard Mark I computer
- Lived
- 73 yrs
- 1900 – 1973
- Works listed
- 1
- Computer
- Honours
- 3
- Most recent 2014
- Profile views
- 2
- 0 followers
Howard Aiken was an American physicist who conceived the Harvard Mark I, a large electromechanical computer built by IBM and completed in 1944. He also started one of the first university programmes in computer science at Harvard.
Biography
Background
Aiken grew up in Indianapolis, worked night shifts at a power company while studying, and earned degrees at the University of Wisconsin and a PhD in physics at Harvard.
The Mark I
In 1937, frustrated by tedious calculations, Aiken proposed an automatic calculating machine inspired by Charles Babbage. IBM built it to his design; the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, known as the Harvard Mark I, was 15 metres long and began work in 1944 for the US Navy, including calculations for the Manhattan Project.
Later machines and teaching
Aiken led the Mark II, III and IV and founded the Harvard Computation Laboratory, offering early degrees in what became computer science. Grace Hopper was among his team.
Later life
He retired from Harvard in 1961 and worked as a consultant. He died in 1973.
Timeline
-
1900
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, United States
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1937
Proposes the automatic calculator
-
1939
IBM agrees to build it
-
1944
Harvard Mark I dedicated
-
1947
Mark II
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1961
Retires from Harvard
-
1970
Edison Medal
-
1973
Dies
-
1973
Died, aged 73
Notable works
-
1944
Harvard Mark I Computer
Awards and honours
-
Harry H. Goode Memorial Award
1964
-
Edison Medal
1970
-
National Inventors Hall of Fame
2014
Did you know?
-
1
IBM chairman Thomas Watson was angered that Harvard’s announcement credited Aiken more than IBM.
-
2
The Mark I weighed about 4.5 tonnes.
-
3
Part of the Mark I is on display at Harvard.
Connections
Related people
Frequently asked
Who is Howard Aiken?
Howard Aiken was an American physicist who conceived the Harvard Mark I, a large electromechanical computer built by IBM and completed in 1944. He also started one of the first university programmes in computer science at Harvard.
When did Howard Aiken die?
Howard Aiken died on 14 March 1973 at the age of 73.
Where is Howard Aiken from?
Howard Aiken was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, United States.
What is Howard Aiken known for?
Howard Aiken is best known for Harvard Mark I (1944); founding computer science education at Harvard.
What awards has Howard Aiken received?
Notable honours include Harry H. Goode Memorial Award (1964), Edison Medal (1970), National Inventors Hall of Fame (2014).
References
- Howard H. Aiken — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Howard H. Aiken — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Howard H. Aiken (Q299723) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
Includes material from the Wikipedia article “Howard H. Aiken”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. That text is available under the same licence. Learn more
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editorial team; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal under our editorial policy
- First published 4 November 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Howard Aiken.” TrackFame, last updated 5 November 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/howard-aiken
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