Press Releases

The mathematical study of the power and limits of efficient computation is the domain of theoretical computer science. Central to this study is the relationship between two classes of computational problems called "P" and "NP"; understanding this relationship is a major outstanding problem of computer science and mathematics.  Avi Wigderson, Herbert H. Maass Professor in the School of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study, will provide insights into this relationship in his talk, The "P vs. NP" Problem: Efficient Computation, Internet Security, and the Limits of Human Knowledge.

Prospects in Theoretical Physics (PiTP), an intensive two-week summer program for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars considering a career in theoretical physics, will take place at the Institute for Advanced Study from July 14 to 25. The theme of this year's program is Strings and Phenomenology.

The Royal Dutch Mathematical Society has announced that Phillip A. Griffiths, Professor in the School of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study, has been selected to receive the 2008 Brouwer Prize.  According to the award citation, Professor Griffiths was chosen for "his work in complex algebraic geometry and (complex) differential geometry.

The work of one of America's foremost political thinkers will be recognized at a three-day conference on the Institute campus from June 2 to June 4.   Michael Walzer, Professor Emeritus in the School of Social Science, will be celebrated for his contributions to the ethical and political philosophy of the twentieth century at the "Justice, Culture and Tradition" conference.