Keio University Announces the Passing of Distinguished Professor David J. Farber

The academic community in Japan has been struck by profound sorrow following the announcement from Keio University's Cyber Civilization Research Center. David Jack Farber, the esteemed Co-Chair and Distinguished Professor, peacefully passed away on February 7, 2026, at 11:42 a.m. in his home in Roppongi, Tokyo. At the age of 91, Farber's departure marks the end of an extraordinary era in computer science and higher education. Keio University, one of Japan's premier private institutions founded in 1858, highlighted his invaluable contributions through an official obituary, expressing deep gratitude for the support he received throughout his life.

Farber's connection to Keio began in 2018 when, at the remarkably active age of 83, he relocated from the United States to take up his role as Distinguished Professor. This move underscored his commitment to fostering global collaboration in cyber research, particularly within Japan's vibrant higher education landscape. His presence at Keio not only elevated the university's profile in computer science but also bridged decades of innovation from the birth of the internet to contemporary challenges in cybersecurity and digital governance.

Early Career: Laying the Groundwork at Bell Laboratories

David J. Farber's journey into computer science started with a Bachelor of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1956, followed by a Master of Science in mathematics in 1961. His early professional milestone came during an 11-year tenure at Bell Laboratories, where he played a pivotal role in designing the first electronic switching system, known as ESS-1. This innovation represented a quantum leap from mechanical switches to electronic ones, enabling faster and more reliable telecommunications—a precursor to modern networking.

At Bell Labs, Farber also co-developed SNOBOL, the first string manipulation programming language. SNOBOL, standing for String Oriented symBOlic Language, allowed programmers to process text patterns dynamically, influencing later languages like Perl and Python. These foundational works at Bell Labs demonstrated Farber's knack for tackling complex systems step-by-step: first identifying inefficiencies in existing hardware, then prototyping software solutions, and finally scaling for real-world deployment. For students in Japan's computer science departments, such as Keio's Faculty of Science and Technology, these examples highlight the iterative process central to engineering excellence.

Pioneering Distributed Computing and Internet Networks

Transitioning to academia, Farber joined the University of California, Irvine, where he created the world's first operational distributed computer system. This system linked multiple computers to share resources seamlessly, a concept now ubiquitous in cloud computing platforms like AWS and Google Cloud. The step-by-step implementation involved resource allocation algorithms, fault-tolerant protocols, and inter-machine communication—principles that remain core to today's distributed systems courses at universities across Japan.

At the University of Delaware, Farber's influence expanded to national scales. He conceived and organized CSNET (Computer Science Network), NSFNet, and the National Research and Education Network (NREN), which connected U.S. researchers and paved the way for the commercial internet. These networks operated by aggregating regional hubs, using packet-switching technology originally from ARPANET, and prioritizing academic traffic. Farber's vision ensured that higher education institutions could collaborate globally, a model that resonates deeply with Keio University's international partnerships.

A Bold Move to Japan: Joining Keio University in 2018

In 2018, Farber made a transformative decision to join Keio University as Distinguished Professor and Co-Director of the Cyber Civilization Research Center (CCRC). This center, part of Keio's Global Research Institute, aims to reimagine governance, economics, society, and technology in the era of networked intelligence. Farber's arrival coincided with Japan's push to lead in cybersecurity and AI, aligning with national strategies like Society 5.0.

Keio University, with over 33,000 students and strong rankings in computer science (top 10 in Japan per EduRank metrics), provided the perfect platform. Its Faculty of Science and Technology includes departments like Information and Computer Science, enrolling thousands annually. Farber's expertise complemented this, bringing real-world internet history to classrooms where enrollment in tech programs has surged amid Japan's digital transformation.

Leadership and Innovations at the Cyber Civilization Research Center

As Co-Director alongside Professor Jun Murai—often called the father of the Japanese internet—Farber steered CCRC toward interdisciplinary research. Key areas include cybersecurity, blockchain governance, health data management, and societal impacts of AI. Projects like the Cyber Security Research Center explore distributed systems security, while Iden Architecture focuses on personal data for preventive healthcare.

Farber co-authored working papers on topics like society-centric cyber conflict and distance learning models, influencing policy. His collaboration with Murai, spanning decades from CSNet introductions to Net@50 celebrations, exemplifies cross-cultural innovation. CCRC events, such as seminars on AI in medical DX, drew experts globally, positioning Keio as a hub for cyber civilization studies.

• Cybersecurity protocols for high-speed networks
• Blockchain for multi-stakeholder cooperation
• Ethical AI frameworks for Japanese society

Mentoring Japan's Future Computer Scientists

Farber's classroom impact was profound. He taught his final class on January 22, 2026, emphasizing scientific attitudes over rote coding. At Keio, with its 29,000 undergraduates including robust tech enrollment, he inspired broad thinking amid narrow specializations.

In 2018, he established the David Farber Prize, awarding undergraduate essays on cyber civilization topics—3000 words in English on civil liberties and digital rights. Winners from multiple editions showcased his commitment to nurturing thoughtful scholars. For aspiring academics, resources like crafting a winning academic CV or exploring professor jobs in Japan align with his legacy.

Collaborations Shaping Japanese Higher Education

Farber's ties to Japan predated Keio; he visited nearly 40 times, advising NTT Docomo and collaborating with pioneers like Hideo Aiso. His FCC chief technologist experience informed CCRC's policy work, influencing Japan's digital policymaking.

Keio's computer science ranks highly (301-400 THE 2026), bolstered by such luminaries. Farber advocated redesigning internet protocols for speed and security, warning of vulnerabilities akin to a digital "Silent Spring." His insights challenge Japanese universities to prioritize foundational research amid corporate pulls.

Global Tributes and Reactions in Japan

News of Farber's passing elicited heartfelt responses. ISC mourned their board member since 1994, EFF their advocate, and NANOG their conscience. On X, posts hailed him as a "grandfather of the Internet," with Japanese academics sharing memories.

Keio peers like Hideki Sunahara and Yasuhiro Morishita amplified tributes. Hacker News threads praised his humility. These reactions underscore his bridge-building role between U.S. and Japanese higher education.

Legacy in Cybersecurity and Public Policy

Farber's awards—SIGCOMM Lifetime Achievement, IEEE/ACM Fellowships—reflect lifelong impact. At UPenn and Wharton, he shaped telecom policy; at Keio, he extended this to cyber ethics. His EROS secure OS and bootstrap architectures remain relevant.

In Japan, where cybersecurity threats rise, his calls for redesign resonate. Universities like Keio now train students via research jobs, perpetuating his vision.

The Path Forward for Keio and Japanese Higher Ed

CCRC continues under Murai's leadership, building on Farber's foundation. With Japan's 100+ top CS universities producing 33.9M citations (EduRank), his emphasis on humanity in tech endures. Future outlooks include quantum-secure networks and AI governance.

Prospective faculty can find opportunities at Japan higher ed jobs or university jobs. Explore career advice to follow in his footsteps.

Funeral Arrangements and Paying Respects

Keio detailed services: Wake February 12, 6-8:30 p.m.; Funeral February 13, 10-11 a.m. at Himonya Kaikan, Meguro-ku. Chief mourner: son Emanuel Farber. Online via Zoom. No flowers or condolences money; public transport advised.

Photo by Seongjin Park on Unsplash

Honoring Professor Farber's Enduring Influence

David J. Farber's life—from SNOBOL to CCRC—illuminates higher education's role in innovation. Keio students, numbering over 10,000 graduates, carry his torch. Rate professors via Rate My Professor, seek higher ed jobs, or career advice. His legacy ensures cyber civilization thrives.