Born: 1959 (New York City, USA)
Biography:
Shafi Goldwasser, born in New York City in 1959, is an Israeli-American computer scientist widely recognized for her contributions to the field of cryptography. She is a distinguished figure in the world of computer science, with numerous accolades and groundbreaking research to her name.
Goldwasser completed her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and science from Carnegie Mellon in 1979. She then pursued her studies in computer science at Berkeley, where she received her Master of Science degree in 1981 and went on to earn her PhD in 1984. During her time at Berkeley, Goldwasser collaborated with her doctoral advisor, Manuel Blum, to propose the innovative Blum-Goldwasser cryptosystem, which has had a significant impact on modern cryptography.
In 1983, Goldwasser joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where her academic journey flourished. She became the first holder of the prestigious RSA Professorship in 1997, solidifying her position as a leading expert in the field. Simultaneously, she also took on a professorship at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1993, further expanding her influence within the scientific community.
At MIT, Goldwasser is an integral member of the theory of computation group at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Her research focuses on computational complexity theory, cryptography, and computational number theory. One of her significant contributions is the concept of probabilistic encryption, which revolutionized data encryption and set a new standard for security. She is also a co-inventor of zero-knowledge proofs, a fundamental tool in cryptographic protocols that allow for the validation of assertions without revealing any additional information.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Goldwasser has played a vital role in various organizations and initiatives. She became a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2005, recognizing her contributions to cryptography, number theory, and complexity theory. The following year, she was honored with Berkeley’s Computer Science Distinguished Alumni Award.
Goldwasser’s groundbreaking achievements in cryptography and computational complexity led to her receiving the prestigious Turing Award in 2012. This esteemed accolade is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Computing and was awarded to Goldwasser for her significant advancements in the science of cryptography.
Continuing to push the boundaries of her field, Goldwasser co-founded Duality Technologies, a technology start-up based in the United States, in November 2016. Serving as the company’s chief scientist, she pioneers the development of secure data analytics utilizing advanced cryptographic techniques. Additionally, she acts as a scientific advisor for several other technology start-ups in the security domain, including QED-it, specializing in the Zero Knowledge Blockchain, and Algorand, a pure proof-of-stake blockchain platform.
Moreover, Goldwasser assumed the role of director of the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2018. This position further solidifies her dedication to advancing the understanding and application of computational theory.
Throughout her illustrious career, Goldwasser has made substantial contributions to the field of computer science, particularly in the realm of cryptography. Her exceptional intellect, groundbreaking research, and unwavering dedication have firmly established her as a pioneer and role model for aspiring scientists around the world.
Awards:
– Turing Award (2012)