Jos Stam honoured by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Jos Stam, Principal Scientist at Autodesk, has been honoured with a Technical Achievement Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The award acknowledges Stam’s research on subdivision surfaces and contributions to the motion picture industry.
“Autodesk applauds Jos Stam for his contributions to the field of computer graphics. He joins a highly respected group of Academy Award winners,” said Martin Vann, Vice President of Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment Division.
“Jos Stam has committed his career to advancing the science of computer graphics, helping the motion picture industry induce a sense of realism – a suspension of disbelief – for moviegoers everywhere.”
Subdivision surfaces is a modelling technology, based on algorithmic theory, that is essential for many types of motion picture computer graphics. It enables animators to smooth surfaces and create shapes with a sequence of successively refined polyhedral meshes. The theory originated in 1978 with initial concept development by Ed Catmull, famed computer graphics researcher and award co-recipient.
Stam and award co-recipient Tony DeRose were key contributors to the evolution of subdivision surfaces. They made the technology practical, resulting in the ability to create more advanced virtual buildings, lifelike characters and realistic computer-generated garments. Stam's work has since been implemented into the Autodesk Maya product line and documented in numerous published journals and conference papers.
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