Hebrew University congratulates Professor Avi Wigderson on prestigious 2023 Turing Award

Hebrew University extends its heartfelt congratulations to former faculty member of Hebrew University Professor Avi Wigderson on being honored with the esteemed Turing Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of theoretical computer science.

In response to the announcement, Hebrew University President Prof. Asher Cohen expressed pride in Professor Wigderson’s achievements, stating: “We are immensely proud of Professor Avi Wigderson’s remarkable accomplishment. His dedication to advancing the frontiers of theoretical computer science exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that we cherish at Hebrew University. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional talent, intellect, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. On behalf of the entire Hebrew University community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Wigderson on this well-deserved honor.”

Professor Avi Wigderson, a former faculty member of Hebrew University and currently affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study’s School of Mathematics, has been recognized for his pioneering work in computational complexity theory and algorithms, significantly advancing our understanding of computation and its limits.

Wigderson’s research spans various topics within theoretical computer science, including randomness in computation, interactive proof systems, and the power of algebraic methods in algorithm design. His seminal contributions have profoundly impacted various areas of computer science, inspiring generations of researchers and shaping the field’s direction.

Prof. Wigderson was a cherished faculty member for nearly 15 years. Notably, quite a few of his groundbreaking papers that earned him acclaim were written during his tenure at Hebrew University. Several of his notable papers were collaborative efforts with colleagues Noam Nisan and Michael Ben-Or. This era marked a dynamic period in theoretical computer science, with Hebrew University emerging as a pivotal hub, largely due to Prof. Wigderson’s contributions and presence.

The Turing Award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Computing,” is presented annually by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to individuals who have made significant contributions of lasting importance to the field of computer science.