Polynomial Times, 2026–27

Dear friends, 

I’m delighted to share with you the second issue of Polynomial Times, the annual magazine of the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing. In it, we explore the frontiers of theoretical computer science (TCS) research, at the Simons Institute and beyond.

This year’s issue focuses on topics that have been at the forefront of all of our minds, most notably artificial intelligence, and the ways in which it has already begun to transform research in our field and the boundaries of what we thought was within reach, while also raising significant concerns around its safe and trustworthy deployment. With the support of a substantial new grant from Renaissance Philanthropy and XTX Markets, this year we will be launching a research pod on AI and theoretical computer science, which will foster a sustained effort to both push the frontiers of the field with AI-assisted exploration, and help address the pressures and challenges posed by AI to the worldwide TCS community. In this issue of Polynomial Times, we report on a working group hosted by the Simons Institute that developed a set of concrete near-term recommendations for how our research community should respond to the increasing power and influence of AI. 

Elsewhere in the magazine, we explore the Institute’s work at the intersections of algorithms and society. We also look at exciting recent developments in cryptography and quantum computing, two topics of ongoing interest at the Institute that were the subject of research programs this past year. And we share stories of people whose lives and careers are interwoven with the Institute. 

I encourage you to connect with us on socials, watch our content on YouTube, or join us in Calvin Lab for a research program or workshop. Hope to see you soon! 

Best wishes,
Venkat 

Venkatesan Guruswami
Director, Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing