Mercer Times

Princeton graduate alumnus Avi Wigderson has been honored with the prestigious 2023 A.M. Turing Award by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for his exceptional contributions to the mathematical foundations of computation. The Turing Award, often likened to the "Nobel Prize of Computing," recognizes individuals who have made significant advancements in the field of computer science.

Wigderson, currently serving as the Herbert H. Maass Professor in the Institute for Advanced Study’s School of Mathematics, obtained his Ph.D. from Princeton in 1983. His remarkable achievements also include being the recipient of the 2021 Abel Prize, the most esteemed accolade in mathematics, making him the sole individual to have been honored with both the Abel Prize and the Turing Award.

ACM President Yannis Ioannidis praised Wigderson's work, stating, “Mathematics is foundational to computer science and Wigderson’s work has connected a wide range of mathematical sub-areas to theoretical computer science.” Jennifer Rexford, Princeton’s provost and Gordon Y.S. Wu Professor of Engineering, described Wigderson as a significant figure in theoretical computer science, emphasizing his ability to provide fundamental insights into efficient computation.

Renowned in the field of theoretical computer science, Wigderson's research primarily focuses on computational complexity theory, specifically exploring the impact of randomness on computation. His groundbreaking discoveries in algorithm design have had a lasting influence on the field. Colleague Ran Raz, a professor of computer science at Princeton, acknowledged Wigderson's central role in theoretical computer science.

Pravesh Kothari, an assistant professor of computer science at Princeton, expressed admiration for Wigderson, labeling him as an inspiration and a role model. Kothari highlighted Wigderson's skill in connecting diverse problems across different sub-disciplines, a quality that has resonated with many young researchers mentored by Wigderson.

Szymon Rusinkiewicz, the David M. Siegel ’83 Professor of Computer Science and department chair at Princeton, commended Wigderson for his profound impact on the global computer science community and specifically within Princeton, where he has been a valued mentor and collaborator.

Avi Wigderson's significant contributions have not only shaped theoretical computer science but have also had practical implications in various technological domains. His work on zero-knowledge proofs has played a crucial role in enhancing cryptography, digital security, and modern applications related to privacy, compliance, identity verification, and blockchain technology.

Throughout his illustrious career, Wigderson has received multiple awards and honors, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field. His dedication to advancing computer science is evident through his extensive mentorship, collaboration, and groundbreaking research that continues to set the agenda in theoretical computer science.