# Mark Jerrum

> Theoretical computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q92666](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92666)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Jerrum)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mark-jerrum

## Summary
Mark Jerrum is a prominent British theoretical computer scientist and engineer known for his foundational contributions to computational complexity. He currently serves as a researcher and professor at Queen Mary University of London and is a recipient of the prestigious Gödel Prize.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1955
- **Nationality:** United Kingdom
- **Education:** University of Edinburgh (PhD)
- **Known for:** Research in theoretical computer science and computational complexity
- **Employer(s):** Queen Mary University of London
- **Field(s):** Theoretical computer science, engineering

## Contributions
Mark Jerrum has made significant academic contributions to the field of theoretical computer science, specifically regarding the mathematical foundations of computing. His early work was established at the University of Edinburgh, where he completed his academic thesis titled "On the complexity of evaluating multivariate polynomials" under the supervision of the renowned computer scientist Leslie Valiant. 

His research has been recognized at the highest levels of the discipline, most notably through the receipt of the Gödel Prize in 1996. This award highlighted his impact on the study of computational complexity. Beyond his individual research, Jerrum has been a prolific mentor within the academic community. He has supervised a wide range of doctoral students who have gone on to become significant researchers themselves, including Alistair Sinclair, Leslie Ann Goldberg, and Paul Goldberg. His work is extensively documented in major scientific databases such as the ACM Digital Library and DBLP, and he maintains a collaborative connection to the broader mathematical community, evidenced by his Erdős number of 2.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Mark Jerrum's most notable professional award?
A: Mark Jerrum was awarded the Gödel Prize in 1996, a major honor in the field of theoretical computer science that recognizes outstanding papers and contributions to the discipline.

### Q: Where is Mark Jerrum currently employed?
A: He is an employer and researcher at Queen Mary University of London, where he continues his work in theoretical computer science.

### Q: Who were some of Mark Jerrum's notable students?
A: Jerrum has advised several prominent computer scientists, including Alistair Sinclair, Leslie Ann Goldberg, Martin Lange, and Paul Goldberg.

### Q: What was the focus of Mark Jerrum's doctoral research?
A: His doctoral thesis, completed at the University of Edinburgh, was titled "On the complexity of evaluating multivariate polynomials."

## Why They Matter
Mark Jerrum is a central figure in the evolution of theoretical computer science, particularly in the United Kingdom. His work provides a rigorous mathematical framework for understanding the limits and capabilities of computation. By receiving the Gödel Prize in 1996, Jerrum solidified his place among the elite researchers who have shaped modern algorithmic theory.

His influence is further magnified by his role as an educator and doctoral advisor. By mentoring influential figures like Alistair Sinclair and Leslie Ann Goldberg, Jerrum has helped direct the course of research in computational complexity for subsequent generations. His academic lineage, which connects back to Leslie Valiant, represents a significant chain of knowledge in the study of multivariate polynomials and complex systems. Without his contributions to the complexity of evaluation and counting problems, the theoretical understanding of algorithmic efficiency would lack the depth and precision it possesses today.

## Notable For
*   **Gödel Prize Recipient:** Awarded in 1996 for outstanding contributions to theoretical computer science.
*   **Academic Mentorship:** Doctoral advisor to high-impact researchers including Alistair Sinclair and Leslie Ann Goldberg.
*   **Erdős Number 2:** Reflects a high degree of collaborative proximity to the mathematician Paul Erdős.
*   **Foundational Thesis:** Author of "On the complexity of evaluating multivariate polynomials" (University of Edinburgh).

## Body
### Academic Background and Education
Mark Richard Jerrum was born in 1955. He attended the University of Edinburgh, where he conducted his doctoral research. His PhD thesis, "On the complexity of evaluating multivariate polynomials," was supervised by Leslie Valiant. This work laid the groundwork for his career in theoretical computer science and engineering.

### Professional Affiliations
Jerrum is primarily associated with Queen Mary University of London, where he serves as a faculty member and researcher. His work is recognized by various international authority files, including the Library of Congress (n2002155324) and the German National Library (GND: 12443133X).

### Research and Mentorship
Throughout his career, Jerrum has supervised numerous doctoral students at the University of Edinburgh and Queen Mary University of London. His students include:
*   Alistair Sinclair
*   Leslie Ann Goldberg
*   Martin Lange
*   Gordon J. Brebner
*   John Faben
*   James Matthews
*   Paul Goldberg
*   Jitka Stříbrná
*   Jung-Bae Son

### Recognition and Identifiers
In addition to the 1996 Gödel Prize, Jerrum's influence is tracked through several academic identifiers:
*   **DBLP:** j/MarkJerrum
*   **Mathematics Genealogy Project ID:** 71827
*   **ACM Digital Library ID:** 81100584399
*   **ISNI:** 0000 0001 1488 7536

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## References

1. [Source](https://sigact.org/prizes/g%C3%B6del.html)
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Integrated Authority File
6. LIBRIS
7. NUKAT
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. E-Theses Online Service
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File