The mathematical perspective offered by theory plays a fundamental role in connecting computer science with the other pure sciences. Since the founding of UChicago CS in 1983, theory has been a core strength of the department, in alignment with the scientific vision and strengths of the broader university. CS theory faculty specialize in complexity, logic, uncertainty, combinatorics, randomness and other areas that bridge CS with physics, statistics, and other mathematical sciences.

At UChicago CS, researchers develop theory to understand more abstract, fundamental questions, such as teasing out the inherent limits of computation and their connection with the physical nature of our universe. They also develop theory and build algorithms for applications such as quantum computing, machine learning, and cryptography, working in tandem with other research areas in charting the pathway for tomorrow’s technologies. A robust relationship with the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC), a privately-endowed academic institute located on the UChicago campus, expands and enriches the theory community.

Labs & Groups

EPiQC (Enabling Practical-Scale Quantum Computing)

Fred Chong
A multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional NSF Expedition in Computing, led by UChicago, that spans quantum algorithms, software, and physical machines.

Theoretical Computer Science Group

The Theory group plays a fundamental role in connecting CS with physics, statistics, and other mathematical sciences.

Orecchia Group

Lorenzo Orecchia
Designing simple, efficient algorithms for foundational computational challenges arising in a variety of applications.

Related Faculty

László Babai

Bruce V. and Diana M. Rauner Distinguished Service Professor of Computer Science, Mathematics

David Cash

Professor of Computer Science

Julia Chuzhoy

Professor, Toyota Technological Institute

Aloni Cohen

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Data Science

Todd Dupont

Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, Mathematics, and the James Franck Institute

William Fefferman

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Risi Kondor

Associate Professor of Computer Science, Statistics

Stuart Kurtz

George and Elizabeth Yovovich Professor of Computer Science and the College

Yury Makarychev

Associate Professor, Toyota Technological Institute

Ketan Mulmuley

Professor of Computer Science

Lorenzo Orecchia

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Aaron Potechin

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Robert Rand

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Alexander A. Razborov

Andrew MacLeish Distinguished Service Professor of Computer Science, Mathematics

Janos Simon

Professor of Computer Science

Madhur Tulsiani

Assistant Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, Toyota Technological Institute
Haifeng Xu

Haifeng Xu

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Data Science

News & Events

Professor Andrew A. Chien on the Environmental Impacts of Technology

Feb 26, 2024

Assistant Professor Yanjing Li Awarded NSF CAREER Grant for Innovative Computer Architecture and Deep Learning Research

Feb 26, 2024

Prof. Rebecca Willett awarded the SIAG DATA Career prize

Feb 21, 2024

Argonne scientists use AI to identify new materials for carbon capture

Feb 19, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Dixin Tang, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at UT Austin

Feb 05, 2024

NetMicroscope Uses AI to Improve Network Monitoring for a Better Internet Experience

Feb 01, 2024

NeurIPS 2023 Award-winning paper by DSI Faculty Bo Li, DecodingTrust, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing trustworthiness of GPT models

Feb 01, 2024

New research unites quantum engineering and artificial intelligence

Jan 29, 2024
Video

“Machine Learning Foundations Accelerate Innovation and Promote Trustworthiness” by Rebecca Willett

Jan 26, 2024
Video

Nightshade: Data Poisoning to Fight Generative AI with Ben Zhao

Jan 23, 2024

Exploring 3D Paintbrush: An AI That Colors with Words

Jan 22, 2024

Group From UChicago CS To Present Four Papers at Most Prestigious International Quantum Conference

Jan 09, 2024
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