| School of Mathematics |
| Theoretical Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics |
 Abacus |
 "Analytical engine" |
 Turing machine |
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General
Welcome to the home page of the special program in Theoretical Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics (TCS/DM).
This field is one of the most vibrant and active areas of scientific study today. Starting half a century ago, even before computers existed, theoretical computer science set out to define mathematically the concept of "computation", and to study its power and limits. The theoretical discoveries of Alan Turing, John von Neumann (Institute faculty member 1933-57) and their contemporaries led to the practical construction of the first stored program computer at the IAS, followed by the computer "revolution" we are witnessing today.
The practical use of computers, and simultaneously the unexpected mathematical depth of the abstract notion of "computation" has significantly altered and expanded theoretical computer science. In the last quarter century it has turned into a rich and beautiful field, making connections to other areas and attracting talented young scientists. More technical (but still popular) description of various related aspects can be found in these brief essays:
TCS/DM at the Institute
The "parent" disciplines from which Theoretical Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics evolved were once represented at the Institute by John von Neumann (1933-57) and Kurt Godel (1953-1976). After a considerable gap, the School of Mathematics began to explore the possibility of re-opening this stream of research in the early 1990s with a well-received series of lectures given by M. Rabin and R. Karp. The year of 1993 marked the opening of a series of exploratory programs led by various leading researchers from all over the world. In the same year the weekly seminar (now known as Theoretical Computer Science and Discrete Math Seminar) was established.
The exploratory programs proved to be quite successful, both scientifically and educationally, and also were well-received by the mathematical community outside the Institute. Thus, it was decided to go ahead, and in 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 Noga Alon and Avi Wigderson assumed the leadership of further programs in combinatorics and computational complexity.
A commitment to the permanent presense of Theoretical Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics was made by appointing Avi Wigderson to the newly created faculty position (1999). This event also marks the formal beginning of the TCS/DM special program.
Almost immediately (in the academic year of 2000-2001) the Program was holding a Special Year on Computational Complexity that attracted well-known researchers in this field. As another part of the effort to get it established, Alexander Razborov was appointed to be in residence as a senior member in 2001-2006.
Links to all previous activities can be found at our archive page:
Collaborations and Education
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