George W. Brown (computer scientist)

George W. Brown (1910 – 2005) was an American computer scientist and statistician known for his contributions to early computing, particularly in the area of numerical analysis and statistical methods applied to computation.

Brown received his Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton University in 1936. During World War II, he worked on ballistics problems and contributed to the development of fire control systems. This experience led him to the field of computing.

After the war, Brown joined the RAND Corporation, where he played a significant role in the development of early computer systems and algorithms. His research focused on Monte Carlo methods, linear programming, and other computational techniques. He also explored applications of computers to various fields, including economics and operations research.

In 1952, Brown joined the faculty of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he founded the Western Data Processing Center (WDPC), an early computing center that provided computing resources to researchers across the western United States. He served as its director for many years. At UCLA, he also established a graduate program in biostatistics and co-founded the Health Services Research Center. Brown was a strong advocate for the responsible and ethical use of computing technology. He retired from UCLA in 1977.

Brown's contributions to computer science and statistics are documented in numerous publications and technical reports. He played a key role in bridging the gap between mathematical theory and practical applications of computers. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of computing and a mentor to many students and researchers.