معرفی
Boaz Barak is a Gordon McKay Professor of Computer Science at Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He is a theoretical computer scientist with a focus on computational complexity, algorithms, cryptography, quantum computing, and the foundations of machine learning and AI safety. Currently on leave from Harvard, he works at OpenAI on technical staff, concentrating on AI safety and alignment. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the Weizmann Institute and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.
- Education: Ph.D. (Weizmann Institute), Postdoc (IAS Princeton)
His research spans foundational aspects of theoretical computer science and machine learning, addressing challenges such as adversarial robustness, model watermarking, and the societal impacts of AI. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding deep learning dynamics, cryptographic protocols, and computational complexity. Barak's advising includes both current and former students like Gustaf Ahdritz and Preetum Nakkiran, with collaborative work across institutions.
Scientific Awards: Recipient of the
- Simons Investigator Fellowship
- Packard Fellowship
- Sloan Fellowship
- FOCS 2021 Test of Time Award
- NeurIPS 2023 Outstanding Main Track Paper, Runner-Up
He co-directs undergraduate studies in Computer Science at Harvard and is actively involved in editorial roles for the Theory of Computing Journal and the Electronic Colloquium on Computational Complexity. Barak also contributes to the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence and advises Quanta magazine.
Barak's current teaching includes a graduate course on AI Safety at Harvard, alongside organizing the Harvard Machine Learning Foundations seminar and the Kempner Seminar Series.
