Lorenzo Grassi

Lorenzo Grassi is a postdoctoral researcher in symmetric cryptography at Ruhr University Bochum's Cluster of Excellence CASA and a consultant at Ponos Technology. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from Graz University of Technology (2019) and a degree in Mathematics from the University of Milano. Funded by the CASA Jump.Start Program for Postdocs since 2023, he focuses on cryptography for future applications, including quantum-resistant protocols and MPC-/FHE-/ZK-friendly schemes.

• Education: University of Milano (Mathematics), Graz University of Technology (PhD in Mathematics)
• Positions: Ruhr University Bochum (CASA Cluster), Ponos Technology (Consultant), Radboud University Nijmegen (2020-2023)

His research spans symmetric encryption, hash function design, algebraic attacks, and cryptanalysis of modern cryptographic primitives. Recent work includes Gröbner basis attacks, side-channel secure implementations, and quantum cryptanalysis.

Key trends in his publications include the development of zero-knowledge proof-friendly hash functions (e.g., Poseidon2), structural analysis of symmetric primitives (e.g., Subspace Trails, Feistel networks), and optimization of cryptographic schemes for MPC and FHE applications. Quantum cryptanalysis and truncated differential attacks also feature prominently.

• Scientific Awards: ERC Starting Grant 2024

Grassi contributes to advancing cryptographic security through innovative designs like Monolith and Reinforced Concrete, while also analyzing vulnerabilities in schemes like AES and Grendel. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical implementations, emphasizing efficiency and resistance to emerging threats.