Avi Wigderson: Mathematics and Computation

Avi Wigderson is one of the leading figures in the theory of  computation. His groundbreaking work on computational complexity, randomness, and cryptography has helped define the field over the past four decades. Recipient of both the Abel Prize and the Turing Award, Wigderson has been instrumental in revealing deep connections between computation, mathematics, and the nature of efficient reasoning.Nutan and Thore talk to Avi about life, research, mathematics, and computing. Avi embodies the ideals of the community of researchers in theoretical computer science, and how the norms around institutions, development, publishing, and networking have shaped the field. We also try to cover many aspects of this recent book highlighting the interplay between computing and mathematics, and role that TCS plays in revolutionising both information technology and many other scientific fields. Finally, we reflect on the future of the discipline, academic research, and the life of a researcher in the years to come. Avi’s 2019 book, Mathematics and Computation, is published by Princeton University press, and available for free on Princeton’s website.