Computability, combinatorics, and topology

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $95,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project is set at the interface of two areas in the foundation of mathematics, computability theory and reverse mathematics. Computability theory, which traces its history to the pioneering work of Alan Turing in the 1930s on the formal definition of an algorithm, is broadly concerned with the question of which mathematical problems can be solved by a computer, and among those that cannot be, in measuring precisely how far away these problems are from being thus solvable. Reverse mathematics instead looks to understand how complicated mathematical theorems are, by determining the minimal axioms necessary to carry out the logical arguments in the proofs of these results. Although these areas are distinct, they are deeply related, with ideas and results in one often leading to ideas and results in the other. Together, they provide deep insight across all areas of mathematics, revealing connections between previously disparate areas, and often leading to novel and more computationally efficient methods. This project involves graduate students. A longstanding focus of research in computability theory and reverse mathematics has been combinatorics, especially Ramsey’s theorem and related combinatorial results. But more recent work has exposed fascinating new connections with other areas, including set theory and topology, which the PI is building on and exploring in this project. More precisely, the PI addresses a suite of problems concerning two important generalizations

Key facts

NSF award ID
2452079
Awardee
University of Connecticut (CT)
SAM.gov UEI
WNTPS995QBM7
PI
Damir D Dzhafarov
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Estimated total
$95,000
Funds obligated
$95,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2026