#  Theory of Computation at Harvard 

 



       ![Ten smiling people pose with a variety of surfboards on a sunny beach. Everyone is wearing a wetsuit, so the water must be cold!](/sites/g/files/omnuum4596/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/seas-toc/files/img-3986.jpg?itok=FR_UW3wH) 

 

 



 

 



 

## Overview

Harvard has had a long history of groundbreaking research in the theory of computation (ToC, also known as Theoretical Computer Science). This field addresses the mathematical laws that govern efficient computation, whether by human-made devices or natural phenomena. Today ToC had vastly expanded to touch many problems not just in computer science and engineering, but also pure and applied mathematics, as well as the natural, life and social sciences. Members of the ToC group at Harvard are pursuing both the fundamental questions of computation, as well as its applications to many areas, and are closely collaborating with colleagues across all of these fields.



 

##  News & Announcements 

 



  [### Salil Vadhan elected to the National Academy of Sciences!

 ](/news/2026/05/salil-vadhan-elected-national-academy-sciences) May 11, 2026 

 Salil Vadhan has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences! Salil is among the 120 new members and 25 international members honored by the NAS in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Many... 

 

 

   ![Salil Vadhan. Headshot. Salil is in a sunny indoor location. He is bald, with medium-brown skin. He is facing the viewer and smiling broadly.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4596/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/seas-toc/files/salil_theory_group_webpage_copy.jpg?h=9ec0a175&itok=VQnR1Cc3) 

 



 

 

   [### Aaron (Louie) Putterman wins the prestigious Jane Street Fellowship!

 ](/news/2026/05/aaron-louie-putterman-wins-prestigious-jane-street-fellowship) May 11, 2026 

 Fourth-year theory PhD student Aaron (Louie) Putterman secures the highly competitive Jane Street Graduate Fellowship Award for the 2026 cycle! Awardees come from 20+ different universities and are studying varying disciplines across computer science... 

 

 

   ![Aaron (Louie) Putterman](/sites/g/files/omnuum4596/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/grf-aaron-louie-putterman.png?itok=EyFd5E0R) 

 



 

 

   [### Cynthia Dwork awarded the 2026 Japan Prize!

 ](/news/2026/02/cynthia-dwork-awarded-2026-japan-prize) February 01, 2026 

 Cynthia Dwork has been awarded the 2026 Japan Prize for her contributions to "leading research for building an ethical digital society, including differential privacy and fairness." The Japan Prize is awarded annually to scientists and engineers from... 

 

 

   ![Cynthia Dwork, a light-skinned woman with curly auburn hair and glasses, sits at a cafe in front of a bank of windows.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4596/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/seas-toc/files/cynthia_1.13.22.jpg?h=e6d05437&itok=tB6jSWH1) 

 



 

 

  

 

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##  Upcoming Seminars & Events