Project description
Advancing computational complexity theory through extremal combinatorics
Computational complexity theory classifies computational problems based on their inherent logical hardness. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EXCICO project will address a significant challenge in computational complexity theory: imposing nonlinear lower bounds for explicit Boolean functions. By viewing circuit complexity through the lens of extremal combinatorics – a branch of combinatorics studying objects under various constraints – EXCICO hopes to develop a systematic methodology for tackling complexity problems. Specifically, the research will focus on lower bounds for depth-3 circuits, aiming to prove sharp lower bounds for the Majority function. The team also plans to extend techniques from the recent breakthrough on the sunflower conjecture, applying them to conjunctive normal form formulas and their satisfying assignments.
Objective
Computational complexity theory is the systematic study of computational problems in order to classify them in terms of their inherent logical hardness. Several decades of research have not only given rise to important understanding of limits of computation, but have also developed algorithms which constitute a crucial part of modern life. A formidable challenge in complexity theory is to show non-linear lower bounds for an explicit Boolean function. Our project is motivated by this fundamental problem and in fact we will approach several such questions motivated by understanding the complexity of explicit Boolean functions. Our main objective look at circuit complexity through the lens of extremal combinatorics, a rich and vibrant of branch of combinatorics which studies objects satisfying various constraints. Therefore we aim to develop a systematic methodology which adopts tools of extremal combinatorics to tackle complexity problems. More concretely we attack the problem of lower bounds for depth-3 circuits and specifically attempt to prove sharp lower bounds for the Majority function thus breaking a barrier in this area. We will further extend the techniques used in recent breakthrough on the Sunflower Conjecture and apply it to CNF formula and the structure of their satisfying assignments. We will our new insights on the structure of satisfying assignments to develop new improved algorithms for the satisfiability problem (SAT).
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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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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.
115 67 Praha
Czechia
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.