BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 BCS Lovelace Medals, honouring outstanding contributions to computing research and education.
This year’s winners are Professor Mirella Lapata, University of Edinburgh, awarded the Lovelace Medal for Computing Research, and Professor Michael Kölling, King’s College London, recipient of the Lovelace Medal for Computing Education.
The Lovelace Medal, named after computing pioneer Ada Lovelace, celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing computing in society.
Pioneering natural language processing research
Professor Lapata was recognised for her pioneering research in natural language processing and AI. Her work has transformed how machines understand and generate human-like narratives from text and structured data, bridging language with other modalities such as images and video. These advances have shaped mainstream technologies now embedded in everyday life.
Speaking about the award, Professor Lapata said: 'I am deeply honoured to receive the BCS Lovelace Medal. Computing research is at its most exciting when it connects theory with real-world impact, and I am proud that my work has contributed to technologies people interact with every day. It’s a privilege to join such an inspiring community of recipients.'
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Transforming programming education
Professor Kölling was recognised for his transformative impact on programming education worldwide.
Over the past two decades, he has developed new pedagogical approaches, designed some of the most widely adopted educational programming systems in the history of computer science education, and authored textbooks that have shaped how programming is taught in thousands of schools and universities.
Reflecting on his award, Professor Kölling said: 'Teaching the next generation of computer scientists has always been my passion, and to see students across the globe learning through tools and approaches I’ve helped develop is incredibly rewarding. Receiving the Lovelace Medal is a tremendous honour and a wonderful recognition of the importance of computer science education.'
Sharron Gunn, Group CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, praised this year’s winners saying: 'Professor Lapata and Professor Kölling represent the very best of our profession, combining innovation, influence, and inspiration. Their achievements have not only advanced the frontiers of computing but also shaped how society engages with technology and how we equip future generations to create it. The Lovelace Medals celebrate individuals whose contributions have a lasting impact far beyond academia, and this year’s recipients exemplify that ideal.'
The Lovelace Medal presentation ceremony will take place later this year, celebrating both winners and their exceptional contributions to the computing profession and society.
