The IBM scientist who rewrote the rules of information just won computing’s highest prize
This title could be clearer and more informative.Try out Clickbait Shieldfor free (5 uses left this month).
Charles H. Bennett, an IBM Research physicist, has been named co-recipient of the 2025 A.M. Turing Award alongside Gilles Brassard — the first time the award has recognized quantum research. Their collaboration began in 1979 when Bennett swam up to Brassard at a Puerto Rico beach and pitched ideas rooted in quantum physics. Together they developed the BB84 protocol in 1984, the foundation of quantum key distribution, which guarantees encryption security through the laws of physics rather than mathematical complexity. Bennett also contributed to reversible computation theory and quantum teleportation. With quantum computers threatening current cryptographic systems, their work is now considered foundational to post-quantum security. Bennett built the first quantum cryptography machine at IBM in 1989 and remains affiliated with IBM Research today.
