Alan Guth is an American theoretical physicist and cosmologist, best known for proposing the theory of cosmic inflation. This theory suggests that the universe underwent a rapid expansion just after the Big Bang, which helps explain the uniformity of the cosmos we observe today. Guth's work has significantly influenced our understanding of the early universe and its development. Born on February 27, 1947, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Guth earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1972. He has held positions at several prestigious institutions, including MIT, where he continues to conduct research. His contributions to cosmology have earned him numerous awards and recognition in the scientific community.