How important is computer science as a discipline today?
Birman: The importance of CS has never been greater. We’re discovering ways to build just about everything out of small, simple mechanisms glued together with software, so no matter what you do, CS tends to be inside. And the scope of this new CS is amazing: We’re at the center of the action in biology, nanotechnology, particle physics. If society is ever going to slash medical costs, CS will play the key role. I see CS as a sort of universal science. We’re beginning to pervade everything. The FacultyKenneth P. Birman, professor of computer science, Cornell University Randal E. Bryant, dean of the school of computer science, Carnegie Mellon UniversityJohn Canny, chairman of the electrical engineering and computer science department, University of California, BerkeleyJaime Carbonell, director of the Language Technologies Institute, Carnegie Mellon UniversityBernard Chazelle, professor of computer science, Princeton UniversityWilliam J. Dally, chairman of the department of computer scien
