In today’s data-centric world, Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things devices thrive on data. Genomics, bioinformatics, climate science, finance, and health care fields heavily rely on it. Stuart Parkin, Director at Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics, won the prestigious Draper Prize for developing spintronic technologies that leverage electron’s spin and charge to enhance electronic devices. Parkin’s innovative work at IBM led to breakthroughs in superconductors and magnetic disk drives. Despite initial setbacks, his unconventional approach resulted in three spintronic technologies, unlocking massive data storage capabilities. Parkin’s philosophy to encourage Ph.D. students to push boundaries and embrace creativity continues to shape the future of science and technology.
https://spectrum.ieee.org/stuart-parkin-disk-drive-storage