Aleksandar JurišićView profile
Professor
Aleksandar Jurišić is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, where he serves as Head of the Laboratory for Cryptography and Computer Security. He also maintains an affiliation with the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics (IMFM) in Ljubljana and occasionally teaches at the Faculty of Mathematics. His educational background includes: B.A. from University of Ljubljana (1987), working under Joze Vrabec on topology applications in combinatorics M.Sc. (1990) and Ph.D. (1995) from University of Waterloo, working under Chris Godsil in algebraic combinatorics Jurišić's research interests focus on Algebraic Combinatorics, Cryptography, and Algorithmic Number Theory . His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical security applications, particularly in elliptic curve cryptography and finite field implementations. He has made notable contributions to understanding mathematical phenomena like the Mercedes knot problem, which connects everyday observations with advanced mathematical concepts. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on cryptographic implementations, particularly for resource-constrained environments like smart cards. His research spans theoretical mathematics (knot theory, combinatorics) to applied cryptography, showing how abstract mathematical concepts can solve practical security problems. Among his scientific recognitions , he received the Hasse Prize for his paper 'The Mercedes knot problem' published in American Mathematical Monthly. In 2005, he co-founded the Slovenian Society of Cryptology, demonstrating leadership in establishing cryptography as a field in Slovenia. As an educator and mentor , Jurišić has supervised over 25 diploma theses, 4 master's theses, and 1 PhD dissertation. His courses include Probability and Statistics, Cryptography and Computer Security, and Introduction to Probability and Statistics. He has led numerous educational projects focused on e-content development for mathematics and cryptography education. He leads the Laboratory for Cryptography and Computer Security , which has been involved in multiple Structural Funds projects including PKP series (e-content in education), NA-MA POTI (mathematical literacy), and ŠIPK 1 (Cryptogram - a portal for cryptography and computer security).
