Information Technology
Stanford has a long track record of generating ideas, developing prototypes, and transferring technologies to companies for commercialization. Within Stanford Engineering, the field of information technology has been a pillar of excellence, with exceptionally strong programs in electrical engineering and computer science.
Stanford Engineering faculty and research teams are involved in a wide range of projects. Some researchers focus on developing the physical components that enable computation and communication, including improved chip architecture for enhanced performance, nanowire transistors for meeting the challenges of Moore's law, photonic crystals to enable optical devices, and novel materials for semiconduction and superconduction. Other researchers make use of physical components in complex systems performing advanced tasks. They work, for example, to improve computer security, bolster networks or provide seamless information transfer across wired and wireless networks. Yet other researchers concentrate on theory?game theory, information theory, communication theory?or work in artificial intelligence, cryptography, robotics, computer graphics, human-computer interactions and computer-aided analysis and design.
Examples of the benefits of this work are widespread. In medicine, it allows the sharing of x-ray images among globally dispersed experts for better diagnosis and treatment. In business, e-commerce tools help companies seamlessly manage their supply chains. In education, information technology enables distance learning, digital libraries, and training simulations. In entertainment, it enables on-demand television, digital museums, and realistic gaming. Database mining and other advances will speed and improve analysis of research data. Software algorithms can improve efficiency of air traffic control and improve understanding of genetic interactions. Improvements to the Internet, from its browsers and search engines to its very architecture, will enable humanity to continue to share knowledge via the World Wide Web?a "collective consciousness" of sorts.
Information access anytime, anywhere
"The ultimate goal of information technology is to provide access anytime, anywhere, to any type of information," says School of Engineering Dean Jim Plummer. That goal has profound implications?not just for engineering, but also for politics, business, law, and many other areas. Excelling in the field of information technology requires expertise in fields including management science and engineering to aeronautics and astronautics. Stanford's interdisciplinary research programs, first-rate laboratories and centers, and strategic investments all aim to support creative scholars so they can run faster with their ideas than anyone else.
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