Alan Turing

Alan Mathison Turing (1912–1954) was a mathematician, computer scientist and codebreaker.

Often dubbed ‘the father of modern computing’, Turing was based at The University of Manchester after his work with the British Intelligence Service at Bletchley Park during World War II. His contribution lead to the breaking of the German Enigma machine, an achievement that sees him chosen as the next face on the £50 note. 

Despite his remarkable achievements, as a gay man Turing was prosecuted for gross indecency in 1952, at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK. An inquest concluded his death from cyanide poisoning two years later was suicide. After a long-fought campaign, he was posthumously pardoned by HM The Queen in 2013. 

Ciprian Tomoiaga, an undergraduate computer science student, tells us why Turing is his University of Manchester heritage hero.