Peikert’s research focuses on geometric “lattices” as a new mathematical foundation for cryptography (the science of developing secret codes and the use of those codes in an encryption system). In principle, quantum computers could break much of the cryptography in wide use today, so there is a strong need for alternative schemes. The lattice approach yields very simple schemes that are highly efficient and parallelizable.

“My research has shown that lattice-based cryptography offers surprisingly rich degrees of functionality and security,” Peikert said. “I'm thrilled to be recognized by the Sloan Foundation. This fellowship will support my research group here at Georgia Tech, as well as collaborations with colleagues around the world.”

The Sloan Research Fellowship is a highly competitive award, involving nominations of prestigious scholars from all over the United States and Canada. Past recipients of the Sloan Research Fellowship have gone on to win 38 Nobel Prizes. The Sloan Foundation seeks to support projects lead by outstanding young scholars in the fields of science, mathematics, economics, and computer science and is particularly interested in projects that it expects will result in a strong benefit to society.