Michael Rabin is particularly known for his work on the theory and application of computer algorithms. He is especially interested in computer security and the application of randomization in computers.

Michael Rabin was born in Breslau, Germany (known as Wroclav, Poland, since the end of the Second World War), in 1931. His father was from Russia and was a Rabbi, as were many of his forefathers. Recognizing the threat of remaining in Germany at this time the family moved to Palestine in 1935. Rabin went to a religious elementary school where he was initially interested in microbiology, though his interests soon changed to mathematics. Against his fathers wishes Rabin went to the Reali School, a school that specialized in the sciences (his father wanted him to attend a religious school prior to becoming a Rabbi). Rabin eventually entered the Hebrew University where he studied mathematics and was awarded an M...