Serge Abiteboul

Serge Abiteboul was awarded an ACM Fellow for his research into the theory and practice of databases. His research has focused in particular on the management of data, information and knowledge on the web, which he thinks of as a giant distributed database. In a world made up of billions of connected information systems, there are issues surrounding how to tackle this vast, constantly expanding ocean of data, and how to either locate information or to control data exchanges. For this, Abiteboul develops algorithms and techniques for distributed data management. What sets him apart is that he doesn't believe the digital sector should be off-limits to anyone but researchers - instead, he sees it as an area for society to explore. His experience has encouraged him to reflect on responsible data management, the moderation of content on web platforms and the neutrality of these platforms. He also writes novels and essays and is editor of the blog ‘Binaire’ for Le Monde.