Dan Boneh

Dan Boneh is a research partner for the a16z crypto fund. He is a professor of computer science at Stanford University, where he heads its Applied Cryptography Group; co-directs the Stanford Center for Blockchain Research; and co-directs the Stanford Computer Security Lab. Dr. Boneh researches applications of cryptography to real-world systems, and also teaches cryptography (especially via massive online open courses or MOOCs). With over 150 publications, Boneh's work covers the design of advanced cryptosystems with novel properties; cryptography for blockchains; web security; and cryptanalysis. Among his honors, Boneh was awarded the RSA award in mathematics, 2013 Godel prize, and the ACM prize in 2014 "for ground-breaking contributions to the development of pairing-based cryptography". In 2016, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded for "outstanding contributions", for "pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."