Project description
Improved algebraic techniques to advance proof complexity
In theoretical computer science, proof complexity aims to understand and analyse the computational resources that are required to prove or refute statements. The EU-funded EPRICOT project will leverage recent advances in proof complexity to systematically broaden both the scope and techniques in the field. In particular, the project will use algebraic techniques such as circuit complexity, lower bounds for matrix ranks and noncommutative algebra to significantly broaden the arsenal of lower bound tools and develop new models of proofs, computation and their interrelations. Project results could help advance unconditional computational lower bounds that underlie secure cryptography and derandomisation of probabilistic algorithms.
Objective
Computational complexity lies at the heart of information and computer science. Its aim is to formally understand the boundary between problems that can be solved efficiently and those that cannot. This has many applications: new algorithms are important to make progress in domains such as machine learning and optimization, and new complexity lower bounds (namely, computational impossibility results) are essential to provably secure cryptography. Beyond practical applications, these questions reveal deep mathematical and natural phenomena. One of the prominent directions to attack the fundamental lower bound questions in complexity comes from the study of resource bounded provability, namely proof complexity. Its aim is to understand which problems possess solutions with short correctness proofs and which do not. Traditionally, proof complexity is concerned with propositional (Boolean) logic, and thus techniques from Boolean function complexity have had a huge impact on the field, driving many of its results and agendas.
In this proposal we suggest to employ recent breakthroughs in the field of proof complexity exploiting algebraic approaches to broaden in a systematic way both the scope and techniques of proof complexity, going from weak settings to the very strong ones, up to the major open problems in the field and beyond. In particular, we propose to use algebraic notions and techniques such as structural algebraic circuit complexity, rank lower bounds, noncommutative and PI algebras, among others to significantly broaden the arsenal of lower bound tools as well as develop new models and insights into proofs, computation and their inter-relations.
This project has potential for a transformative impact in theoretical computer science and beyond, with applications to unconditional computational lower bounds, which underlie secure cryptography and derandomization of probabilistic algorithms, as well as improved SAT- and constraint-solving heuristics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.