# Noam Nisan

> Israeli computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q7045525](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7045525)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noam_Nisan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noam-nisan

## Summary
Noam Nisan is an Israeli computer scientist known for his foundational contributions to computational complexity, pseudorandomness, and algorithmic game theory. He is a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Gödel Prize and the Knuth Prize.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 20, 1961, in Israel
- **Nationality**: Israeli
- **Education**: Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (advised by Richard M. Karp); undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- **Known for**: Pioneering work in pseudorandomness, computational complexity, and algorithmic game theory
- **Employer(s)**: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, artificial intelligence, theoretical computer science

## Contributions
Noam Nisan has made significant contributions to theoretical computer science, particularly in the areas of pseudorandomness, computational complexity, and algorithmic game theory. His doctoral dissertation, *"Using Hard Problems to Create Pseudorandom Generators"* (1990), earned him the ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award and laid the groundwork for modern cryptographic techniques. He co-authored the influential book *"Algorithmic Game Theory"* (2007), which became a cornerstone in the field, bridging computer science and economics.

Nisan's research on the complexity of approximation problems and his work on the "Nisan-Wigderson pseudorandom generator" (1994) have had lasting impacts on cryptography and computational theory. He has also contributed to the study of auction design and mechanism design, influencing both academic research and practical applications in online markets. His mentorship has shaped the careers of numerous doctoral students, many of whom have become leading figures in computer science.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Noam Nisan best known for?
A: Noam Nisan is best known for his work in pseudorandomness, computational complexity, and algorithmic game theory, including his award-winning dissertation and the co-authorship of the foundational book *Algorithmic Game Theory*.

### Q: Where does Noam Nisan work?
A: He is a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

### Q: What awards has Noam Nisan received?
A: He has received the Gödel Prize (2012), the Knuth Prize (2016), the Michael Bruno Memorial Award (2004), and the ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award (1990).

### Q: Who were Noam Nisan's notable students?
A: His doctoral students include prominent computer scientists such as Michal Parnas, Amir Ronen, Ron Lavi, and Ahuva Mu'alem.

### Q: What is Noam Nisan's Erdős number?
A: His Erdős number is 2, indicating his close collaboration with mathematicians linked to Paul Erdős.

## Why They Matter
Noam Nisan's work has fundamentally advanced theoretical computer science, particularly in pseudorandomness and algorithmic game theory. His research has provided critical tools for cryptography, making secure systems more efficient and reliable. The book *Algorithmic Game Theory* co-authored by Nisan has become a standard reference, shaping how computer scientists and economists approach market design and auction theory. His mentorship has cultivated a generation of researchers who continue to push the boundaries of the field. Without his contributions, modern cryptographic techniques and algorithmic market mechanisms would lack some of their foundational theoretical underpinnings.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Gödel Prize (2012), Knuth Prize (2016), ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award (1990)
- **Publications**: Co-author of *Algorithmic Game Theory* (2007)
- **Research**: Pioneering work on pseudorandom generators and computational complexity
- **Mentorship**: Advisor to numerous influential computer scientists
- **Erdős Number**: 2, reflecting his impact in mathematical research

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Noam Nisan was born on June 20, 1961, in Israel. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley, under the supervision of Richard M. Karp. His dissertation, *"Using Hard Problems to Create Pseudorandom Generators"* (1990), earned him the ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award and established his reputation in theoretical computer science.

### Career and Research
Nisan joined the faculty of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he has remained a prominent figure in computer science. His research spans pseudorandomness, computational complexity, and algorithmic game theory. Key contributions include:
- **Pseudorandomness**: Co-development of the Nisan-Wigderson pseudorandom generator (1994), a landmark in cryptography.
- **Algorithmic Game Theory**: Co-authorship of the seminal book *Algorithmic Game Theory* (2007), which integrates computer science and economics.
- **Approximation Algorithms**: Influential work on the complexity of approximation problems.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Gödel Prize (2012)**: For contributions to the understanding of computational complexity.
- **Knuth Prize (2016)**: For foundational work in theoretical computer science.
- **Michael Bruno Memorial Award (2004)**: For outstanding research in computer science.
- **ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award (1990)**: For his dissertation on pseudorandom generators.

### Mentorship and Legacy
Nisan has advised numerous doctoral students who have become leading researchers, including:
- Michal Parnas
- Amir Ronen
- Ron Lavi
- Ahuva Mu'alem
- Moshe Babaioff

His work continues to influence cryptography, algorithm design, and economic theory, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in computer science.

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## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://sigact.org/prizes/g%C3%B6del.html)
3. [Source](https://iias.huji.ac.il/brunolaureates)
4. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/award_winners/nissan_4835220#146)
5. Mathematics Genealogy Project
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. IdRef