Stephen Grossberg

Timeline

1. 1957–1967

   A Rockefeller mathematics PhD

   He begins undergraduate study at Dartmouth College in 1957. In 1967 he receives a PhD in mathematics from Rockefeller for a thesis that proves the first global content addressable memory theorems.

2. 1967–1975

   Assistant professor at MIT

   In 1967 MIT hires him as an assistant professor of applied mathematics. In 1975 Boston University hires him as a full professor.

3. 1981–1991

   Adaptive resonance theory

   With Gail Carpenter, he develops adaptive resonance theory, a theory of how a brain or machine can learn new objects without forgetting old ones. In 1981 he founds the Center for Adaptive Systems at Boston University, and in 1991 he founds the Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems.

4. 1987

   Founding the International Neural Network Society

   In 1987 he founds the International Neural Network Society and serves as its first president. He also founds the journal Neural Networks and edits it until 2010.

5. 1991

   A Neural Networks Pioneer Award

   In 1991 the IEEE honors him with its Neural Networks Pioneer Award.

6. 2017

   The IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Award

   He is named the recipient of the 2017 IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Award, for his contributions to understanding brain cognition and behavior and their emulation by technology.

7. 2021–2022

   Conscious Mind, Resonant Brain

   He publishes Conscious Mind, Resonant Brain in 2021, and the book wins the 2022 PROSE book award in Neuroscience from the Association of American Publishers.

8. As of October 2026

   Wang Professor, now emeritus

   He is the Wang Professor of Cognitive and Neural Systems and a professor emeritus at Boston University.