Geoffrey Hinton granted honorary degree by Harvard University

Geoffrey Hinton, a University Professor Emeritus of computer science at the University of Toronto, has been granted an honorary degree by Harvard University. 

The university has conferred honorary degrees to distinguished recipients since 1753.

Winner of a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024, Hinton is widely regarded as the "godfather of AI" thanks to his groundbreaking research on artificial neural networks, which has enabled advancements in modern machine learning. He has since worked to raise awareness of the dangers posed by AI and advocated for its ethical and safe use.

Hinton accepted his Doctor of Science at Harvard's 375th commencement ceremony on May 28. Four other esteemed individuals received honorary degrees at the ceremony: comedian and producer Conan O'Brien, journalist and columnist Peggy Noonan, Broadway star Audra McDonald and political journalist and historian Sir Noel Malcolm.

Harvard's President Alan Garber read the following citation in Hinton's honour, per Harvard Magazine: "Perseverant progenitor of transformative technology, now a herald of its myriad hazards, he has both enabled neural networks and warned of their powers with a deep intelligence not at all artificial."

Read more about Harvard's 2026 honorary degree recipients