In this seminar, we will introduce recent research trends in cryptography. The students will learn how to read/understand advanced research topics and present them to others. All the topics relate to cryptographic aspects of verifiable computation, namely proof and argument systems, and are presented in a single survey (linked below). Here is a selection of possible topics:
1. Interactive proof systems, where verification involves interaction with the prover.
2. Non-interactive proof systems, allowing the prover to produce a proof independently, which can be verified without additional communication.
3. Zero-knowledge proof systems, where the verifier doesn’t learn anything other than the legitimacy of the proof.
We will present a short introduction to these concepts during the kick-off meeting, and provide the students with a list of possible topics. We will also give some guidelines into how to structure your presentation and provide close supervision in understanding the material of the papers.
At the end of this course, you will be able to understand a complex research topic in cryptography and present the content to other students. This is an excellent preparation for a Master thesis/PhD in cryptography and provides you with first insight into the scientific work at the university.
- Dozent*in: Sebastian Faust
- Dozent*in: Elena Micheli