Gallager

Gallager is a surname. The most notable person bearing the name is Robert G. Gallager, an American electrical engineer and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Gallager is recognized for his foundational work in coding theory and information theory, particularly for introducing low-density parity-check codes (LDPC) in 1962. LDPC codes use sparse parity-check matrices and enable efficient iterative decoding; they form the basis of powerful error-correcting schemes used in modern communications and data storage, and they have deeply influenced both theory and practice in the field.

In addition to LDPC codes, Gallager contributed to broader topics in information theory, coding, and reliable communication. His writings helped establish and disseminate key concepts in digital communications, influencing how engineers approach error correction and system design. His work on practical coding schemes and iterative decoding methods contributed to a shift toward algorithmic approaches in building robust communication systems.

The surname Gallager may refer to other individuals as well, but Robert G. Gallager is the most widely cited figure associated with the name in engineering and science.