Dr. Primoz Skraba is a Professor in Applied and Computational Topology at the School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London. As Deputy Head of the Centre for Probability, Statistics and Data Science, he bridges theoretical topology with practical applications in data analysis, machine learning, and optimization. Education : PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (2009) Prior Roles : Positions at INRIA, France; Jozef Stefan Institute, Slovenia; University of Primorska; University of Nova Gorica His research focuses on applying topological methods to analyze complex data. Key areas include: Stability of persistence diagrams for quantitative control in finite sampling Variants of persistence (zig-zag, robustness, multiparameter) Algorithmic Complexity in computational topology Stochastic Topology for random geometric models (Poisson, Boolean) Recent publications emphasize persistent homology in random geometric complexes, universality theorems, and integrating topological methods into machine learning. He received grants from the Leverhulme Trust, EPSRC, and Alan Turing Institute for projects on topological universality and AI foundations. His advisee Gabryel Mason-Williams explores wireless sensor network applications of homology.
Aram Harrow is a Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , affiliated with the MIT Center for Theoretical Physics and MIT Center for Quantum Engineering . He focuses on quantum information science and quantum algorithms , with additional interests in representation theory and optimization . His recent work explores quantum computing applications in chemical physics and statistical mechanics . Undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics at MIT Faculty positions: MIT (2013-present), University of Washington (2010-12), University of Bristol (2005-10) Research Interests: His work bridges quantum information theory and many-body physics , including: Quantum algorithm design for chemistry and optimization Quantum circuit complexity and t-designs Entanglement dynamics in quantum systems Quantum-classical hybrid computing models Key Publications: Recent articles demonstrate quantum speedups for biomolecular free energy calculations , Hamiltonian simulation , and jet clustering algorithms . His research combines quantum complexity theory with practical implementations on near-term quantum devices. Scientific Awards: 2023 Simons Investigator 2018 APS Bennett Award 2017 IEEE Best Paper Award 2016 Kavli Frontiers Fellow Mentorship: He advises current PhD students Shankar Balasubramanian , Angus Lowe , and Norah Tan , with 12 former advisees including Anand Natarajan and Saeed Mehraban . His 2026 recruitment seeks one new graduate student.
David Nadler is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, appointed in 2012. His research centers on geometric representation theory and symplectic geometry, with significant contributions to the Langlands program, microlocal sheaf theory, and symplectic topology. He maintains an active research group and teaches courses ranging from undergraduate linear algebra to graduate algebraic topology and geometry. Nadler's research explores the interface of algebraic geometry, topology, and representation theory. His work in geometric representation theory focuses on Langlands duality, Springer theory, and Betti geometric Langlands. In symplectic geometry, he investigates microlocal sheaves, Fukaya categories, and Weinstein structures. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on categorical methods in geometric Langlands correspondence and symplectic arborealization. His publications consistently emphasize categorical and geometric approaches to representation theory. Recent works cluster in three areas: (1) extensions of the geometric Langlands program to Betti cohomology settings, (2) microlocal analysis of sheaves on symplectic manifolds, and (3) combinatorial models in symplectic topology. This reflects sustained development of 'Betti geometric Langlands' as a distinct research program bridging topology and automorphic forms. Nadler has advised over a dozen PhD students since 2012, with dissertations spanning geometric representation theory, symplectic geometry, and algebraic topology. Student projects frequently investigate categorical aspects of geometric Langlands, microlocal sheaves, and combinatorial models in symplectic topology.
Prof. Dr. Guido Kings is a Professor of Pure Mathematics at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Regensburg. His research focuses on Special Values of L-functions , Tamagawa Number Conjecture , and Polylogarithms , with significant contributions to Iwasawa Theory and Arithmetic Geometry . He has held leadership roles in research projects such as the CRC Higher Invariants. Prof. Kings has authored influential papers on topics like Eisenstein-Kronecker classes , p-adic interpolation , and regulators in arithmetic geometry . He received the Frontier of Science Award in recognition of his work. His team includes doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, such as Bernadette Melichar and Julio de Mello Bezerra. Current Affiliations: Faculty of Mathematics, University of Regensburg Recent Courses Taught: Analysis II, Advanced Seminar in Arithmetic Geometry, and Modular Forms Research Group: Comprises scientific staff (e.g., Han-Ung Kufner) and doctoral students working on number theory and algebraic geometry. His publications are widely cited in Annals of Mathematics , Duke Mathematical Journal , and Inventiones Mathematicae , reflecting his expertise in connecting motivic cohomology with p-adic analysis.
Prof. Dr. Eva Viehmann is a leading mathematician at the University of Münster within the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science and a key figure in the Mathematics Münster cluster. She was awarded the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2024 for her groundbreaking work in arithmetic algebraic geometry and representation theory within the Langlands program . University: University of Münster Department: Mathematical Institute Her research focuses on the intersection of algebra , geometry , and analysis , particularly through the lens of Shimura varieties and moduli spaces of local G-shtukas . She has pioneered the study of affine Deligne-Lusztig varieties in equal and mixed characteristics, advancing understanding of their dimension , connectedness , and irreducible components . Recent publications highlight her work on Newton stratification , Harder-Narasimhan theory , and p-adic moduli spaces . Her scientific advisory contributions include mentoring former doctoral student Stefania Trentin and collaborating with Prof. Urs Hartl over 15 years. Awards and honors include the Leibniz Prize 2024 , reflecting her status as a trailblazer in arithmetic geometry and p-adic geometry . Her research projects span the CRC 1442 and EXC 2044 , aiming to unify Galois representations , automorphic forms , and geometric methods .
Assia Mahboubi is a tenured researcher ( directrice de recherche ) at INRIA in the Gallinette team, Nantes, France, and an endowed professor in the Algebra and Number Theory section of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her work bridges theoretical computer science and formal mathematics, with significant contributions to proof assistants and formal verification. Her research focuses on the foundations and formalization of mathematics in type theory, particularly on the automated verification of mathematical proofs. She explores the interplay between computer algebra and formal proofs, and is a key contributor to the Rocq prover (formerly Coq) and the Mathematical Components libraries. Her work often examines how familiar mathematical objects can be optimally represented for computer-aided proof checking. Recent publications show a strong trend toward categorical reasoning, diagram chasing, and continuity properties in constructive type theory, with increasing focus on practical applications of formal methods in computational mathematics. Her work demonstrates the maturation of formal verification techniques from theoretical foundations to practical tools for mathematical research. ERC Consolidator grant for the FRESCO (Fast and Reliable Symbolic Computation) project Mahboubi actively supervises doctoral students including Vojtěch Štěpančík, Tomás Vallejos Parada, and Alain Chavarri Villarello. She has received significant research funding through her ERC Consolidator grant for the FRESCO project, which aims to develop fast and reliable symbolic computation techniques. She is deeply involved in the international research community, serving on program committees for major conferences including POPL, CPP, and ICFP. She leads research in the Gallinette team at INRIA, which focuses on the intersection of proof assistants, programming languages, and formal mathematics. Her work has helped establish formal verification as a practical tool for mathematical research, moving beyond theoretical foundations to real applications in computational mathematics.
Alfonso Giuseppe Tortorella is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Salerno since October 31, 2022. Previously, he held research positions at CMUC (Center of Mathematics of the University of Coimbra), CMUP (Center of Mathematics of the University of Porto), and KU Leuven. He received his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Florence in 2017 under the supervision of Luca Vitagliano and Paolo de Bartolomeis. His educational background includes an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Salerno (2013) with honors, where he completed his thesis titled "Geometric methods of Hamiltonian mechanics" under Luca Vitagliano's guidance. Tortorella's research focuses on Poisson geometry in the broadest sense, with particular emphasis on deformation theory of coisotropic submanifolds in Jacobi manifolds, multiplicative structures on Lie groupoids, and VB-groupoids. His work explores the intersection of differential geometry, mathematical physics, and algebraic structures, developing sophisticated theoretical frameworks to understand geometric structures and their deformations. He has made significant contributions to understanding symplectic foliations, contact dual pairs, and the algebraic structures underlying Jacobi geometry. His most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on deformation problems in Poisson and related geometries, with particular attention to coisotropic submanifolds in contact geometry, symplectic foliations, and the application of L∞ algebras to geometric deformation problems. His work shows increasing sophistication in handling higher structures and their applications to geometric problems. Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale for Professore Associato in Geometria e Algebra (01/A2 - II Fascia) (May 24, 2021 - May 24, 2030) Qualification aux fonctions de Maître de conférences, section 25 - Mathématiques (December 31, 2018 - December 31, 2022) PhD internship at IM PAN awarded by WCMCS (December 2014) PhD scholarship from INdAM (October 2013) Scholarship from SMI (June 2013) Tortorella has advised multiple PhD, MSc, and BSc students, including Vanessa Oliveira (PhD, University of Porto), Antonio Maglio (PhD, University of Salerno), and Rodrigo de Oliveira Baptista (MSc, University of Porto). He has served on examination committees and as a reviewer for numerous prestigious mathematics journals. His collaborative work extends across international boundaries, with research stays at institutions in Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, France, Germany, and Brazil. He is an active organizer of conferences and workshops, particularly in the field of Poisson geometry, serving on the organizing committees for events like Poisson 2024 and the INdAM Intensive Period on Poisson Geometry & Mathematical Physics.
Kay Jin Lim serves as Senior Lecturer and Director of the MSc (Analytics) program at Nanyang Technological University's School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, where he contributes significantly to both academic leadership and mathematical research within the Division of Mathematical Sciences. His educational foundation includes a B.Sc. (2005), M.Sc. (2007), and Ph.D. (2009) from the National University of Singapore, followed by doctoral research at the University of Aberdeen under David John Benson's supervision. Lim's research centers on representation theory of finite dimensional algebras, with deep connections to algebraic combinatorics and algebraic geometry. His work explores modular representation theory of symmetric groups, Specht modules, and Lie modules, emphasizing combinatorial structures and geometric interpretations in positive characteristic settings. This specialized focus has established him as a contributor to advanced algebraic frameworks. Analysis of his publication trajectory (2013-2025) reveals consistent advancement in understanding module complexities, rank varieties, and symmetric group representations, with increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary connections between algebraic combinatorics and geometric methods. His collaborative approach with international researchers like Karin Erdmann and David Benson demonstrates engagement with cutting-edge developments in the field. Scientific awards: No awards, fellowships, or major prizes are documented in the available information. Lim maintains an active supervisory role with four doctoral students: Yu Jiang (graduated May 5, 2021), Jialin Wang (graduated March 31, 2024), and current candidates Kua Hao Yan Manzu and Chen Siyuan. His teaching portfolio spans foundational to advanced algebra courses including MH2220 Algebra I, MH3220 Algebra II, and specialized topics in Homological Algebra, reflecting his commitment to mathematical education at multiple levels. He operates within NTU's vibrant mathematical research ecosystem, maintaining significant collaborations with leading algebraists globally while directing the MSc (Analytics) program to integrate theoretical mathematics with practical analytical applications.
Rahul Sarkar is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, affiliated with the Department of Mathematics . He was previously a Ph.D. student in the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME) at Stanford University, graduating in 2022 under the advisement of Biondo Biondi and András Vasy. Research Interests : Quantum information theory, inverse problems, machine learning, microlocal analysis, and numerical methods for PDEs. Scientific Contributions : Developed novel quantum computing algorithms and numerical schemes for geophysical imaging, with applications in seismic tomography and quantum signal processing. Teaching : Taught courses at Stanford including Introduction to Quantum Computing and 3D Seismic Imaging , with roles as instructor and course assistant. Awards : Schlumberger Innovation Fellowship (2019-2020). His work bridges mathematical analysis and quantum computation , with a focus on solving real-world problems through interdisciplinary approaches. He has collaborated with institutions like IBM and Schlumberger to apply quantum algorithms to geoscience and financial optimization.
Asaf Ferber is Associate Professor in Mathematics at University of California, Irvine, School of Physical Sciences. His research spans discrete mathematics including combinatorial games, random graphs, extremal hypergraph theory, and quantum computation. Research explores Hamiltonian cycles in random graphs, structural properties of pseudorandom graphs, and quantum algorithms for combinatorial problems. Recent work develops quantum approaches to graph learning and sparse recovery in random matrices. Awards: NSF CAREER Award Sloan Fellowship Distinguished Early Career Faculty Award for Research Air Force Research Grant NSF-BSF Grant Organizes conferences including SoCalDM Symposium and Desert Discrete Math Workshop, mentoring graduate students through UCI's Probability and Combinatorics Seminar.
Daniel A. Spielman is a Sterling Professor of Computer Science, Statistics & Data Science, and Mathematics at Yale University. He serves as the inaugural James A. Attwood Director of the Institute for Foundations of Data Science (FDS) and was previously co-Director of the Yale Institute for Network Science (YINS). He is also a member of TILOS, the NSF Institute for Learning-Enabled Optimization at Scale. His research interests span Spectral Graph Theory, Algebraic Graph Theory, Laplacian Matrices, Expander Graphs, and Random Walks on Graphs. Spielman has made fundamental contributions to understanding the mathematical foundations of data science, including work on smoothed analysis of algorithms, spectral sparsification, and solutions to the Kadison-Singer problem. Spielman's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on developing efficient algorithms with strong theoretical foundations. His work bridges pure mathematics, theoretical computer science, and practical applications in network analysis and machine learning. His research has evolved from foundational work on smoothed analysis to recent contributions in experimental design using discrepancy theory. His scientific honors include: Nevanlinna Prize for contributions to mathematical aspects of computer science Two Gödel Prizes (2008 and 2015) for outstanding papers in theoretical computer science MacArthur Fellowship ('Genius Grant') Simons Investigator award Membership in the National Academy of Sciences and American Academy of Arts and Sciences Spielman has advised numerous PhD students who have gone on to prominent positions in academia and industry. His teaching includes advanced courses in Spectral Graph Theory and Computation and Optimization. He has developed important software packages like Laplacians.jl for solving Laplacian linear equations and related problems.
Maarten de Hoop is the Simons Chair and Professor of Computational and Applied Mathematics at Rice University, part of the George R. Brown School of Engineering. He holds visiting roles at MIT and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research spans seismic wave analysis, inverse problems, deep learning, and planetary seismology. He earned his Ph.D. in Technical Sciences from Delft University of Technology (1992), and earlier degrees from Utrecht University. Notable awards include the 1996 J. Clarence Karcher Award and 2001 Fellowship from the Institute of Physics. His work integrates computational mathematics with geophysics, focusing on extracting signal information from large datasets, developing novel inverse scattering methods, and applying deep learning to geoscience challenges. Recent studies include transformer models for in-context learning, semialgebraic neural networks, and seismic waveform foundation models like SeisLM. He leads the Geo-Mathematical Imaging Group, fostering interdisciplinary projects in planetary missions and data-driven discovery.
Sanjit A. Seshia is the Cadence Founders Chair Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley . He is affiliated with the Group in Logic and the Methodology of Science and participates in centers like the Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems Center , Berkeley AI Research , and the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing . Research interests include formal methods for automated verification and synthesis of dependable systems, with applications to cyber-physical systems , AI-based autonomy , and computer security . His work spans SMT solving, model counting, syntax-guided synthesis, and algorithmic improvisation, with tools like UCLID5 , VerifAI , and Scenic for verifying autonomous systems and educational platforms like CPSGrader . Students and collaborators include notable researchers such as Dorsa Sadigh (Stanford), Daniel Fremont (UC Santa Cruz), and Hazem Torfah (Chalmers). He has co-founded startups like Decyphir and 20ⁿ Labs based on his research.
Howard Elman is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, with affiliations to the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) and as an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Mathematics. His research spans numerical analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and uncertainty quantification, focusing on iterative solvers for partial differential equations. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Yale University (1982); BA in Mathematics, Columbia University (1975); Stuyvesant High School (1971) Elman's research integrates Scientific Computing with Numerical Linear Algebra , Computational Fluid Dynamics , and Uncertainty Quantification . His work addresses Stochastic Galerkin Methods , Reduced-Order Modeling , and Low-Rank Approximations for PDEs with random data. Recent publications emphasize Surrogate Models and Deep Learning in Bayesian inverse problems. His scientific awards include SIAM Fellowship (2009) and roles as Associate Editor for journals like Mathematics of Computation and SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing . He served as SIAM Editor-in-Chief (1998-2004) and Vice President for Publications. Contact: helman@umd.edu | Office: 4210 Iribe Center | Courses: AMSC/CMSC 460 Computational Methods
Silviu Pufu is a Professor of Physics at Princeton University, where he earned both his A.B. (2007) and Ph.D. (2011) in Physics. Prior to his faculty position, he was a Pappalardo Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT (2011–2013). His research focuses on quantum field theory, string theory, and gravity, with emphasis on conformal field theory, gauge/gravity duality, and lattice gauge theory. He has received the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2017) and led the Simons Collaboration for Nonperturbative Bootstrap (2016–2023). His work explores advanced topics such as AdS/CFT correspondence, M-theory corrections, and non-perturbative bootstrap methods. Pufu advises three graduate students: Ross Dempsey, Debaditya Pramanik, and Benjamin Søgaard. His research outputs span theoretical frameworks like super-Yang-Mills theories, M-theory orbifolds, and lattice Hamiltonian formulations of QCD. His 2020–2025 publications highlight contributions to bootstrap techniques, holographic calculations, and precision studies of strongly coupled systems.
