Alexander Polyakov is a prominent Russian theoretical physicist known for his significant contributions to the fields of quantum field theory and string theory. He is particularly recognized for his work on the Polyakov action, which is a formulation of string theory that describes how strings propagate through space and time. His research has had a profound impact on our understanding of fundamental physics. In addition to his work in string theory, Polyakov has made important contributions to conformal field theory and statistical mechanics. He has received several awards for his research, including the Dirac Medal, highlighting his influence in the scientific community. Polyakov continues to be an active figure in theoretical physics.