Bill was born in Newcastle and grew up in Corby, Northamptonshire, before studying Philosophy at Cambridge University. In 1993, while working for Pipex, Bill helped to shape the development of Mosaic, a programme that allowed the user to look at content from other connected computers via a network called the World Wide Web. He immediately recognised that the world was about to change.
In March 1994 he transmitted the world’s first webcast and in June of that year, built the first website for an elected representative in Europe, for Cambridge MP Anne Campbell.
He later became head of The Guardian’s New Media Lab, overseeing the launch of the Guardian website and the Observer site. In 2009, Bill accepted the role of Head of Partnership Development at the BBC’s Archive Development Projects.
Professor Martin said: “Bill has been a relentless campaigner for incorporating digital technology as a liberating and challenging force for good. He has made a significant contribution to the cultural development of the digital landscape that exists today.
“He is a Trustee of the Cambridge-based Britten Sinfonia, and a board member of the Writer’s Centre in Norwich. With a close affinity to our region, he will be an excellent role model for our students.”
Image: Bill Thompson receiving his honorary degree from Professor Martin
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