Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Optimal Tradeoffs between Randomness, Time, and Space

Objective

Randomization is remarkably effective in algorithm design. In practice, randomized algorithms often outperform their deterministic counterparts; for example, there are randomized linear-time algorithms for problems where the best-known deterministic algorithms require exponential time. Yet, randomness is itself a computational resource, which may be scarce or costly. While some settings---such as cryptography---provably require randomness, in many others, notably time- and space-bounded computation, the situation is less clear. This raises the central question of when randomness is necessary or useful for efficient algorithms, and how to devise practical, generic recipes for efficient derandomization. In cases where randomness is indispensable, one typically requires access to purely random bits; however, natural sources of randomness are usually defective, making it a central goal to purify such crude randomness in a way suitable for applications.

Understanding the power and limitations of derandomization is one of the biggest challenges in complexity theory, with deep connections to many other areas.
This project tackles fundamental problems in derandomization and pseudorandomness, aiming to resolve the longstanding BPL vs. L problem, settling whether randomness is needed for space-efficient computation. It will also deepen the study of minimal-overhead derandomization, producing deterministic algorithms that match, up to negligible loss, the speed and memory footprint of their randomized counterparts. In parallel, it will develop the efficient use of weak randomness in algorithms and cryptographic protocols.
A unifying theme across all goals is the design of new pseudorandomness primitives and the development of computational analogues of fundamental random-like mathematical structures. The project's outcomes are expected not only to push the frontiers of pseudorandomness but also to have a broad impact on other areas of computer science.

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.

This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

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.

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.

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.

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG

See all projects funded under this call

Host institution

BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 1 500 000,00
Total cost

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.

€ 1 500 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)