# Mikkel Thorup

> Danish computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q1659407](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1659407)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikkel_Thorup)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mikkel-thorup

## Summary
Mikkel Thorup is a Danish computer scientist known for his significant contributions to algorithms and data structures. He was named an ACM Fellow in 2005 for his groundbreaking research and has received several prestigious awards including the David P. Robbins Prize in 2011 and the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award in 2015.

## Biography
- Born: February 13, 1965, Copenhagen
- Nationality: Kingdom of Denmark
- Education: Doctor of Philosophy from University of Oxford (1990-1994)
- Known for: Contributions to algorithms and data structures
- Employer(s): University of Copenhagen (1993-1998), AT&T Labs (1998-2013)
- Field(s): Computer science

## Contributions
Mikkel Thorup has made significant contributions to algorithms and data structures throughout his career. In 2011, he received the David P. Robbins Prize for his work on "Maximum Overhang," a mathematical problem concerning the stacking of blocks to achieve maximum overhang. His research has focused on various aspects of computational theory and practical algorithms. As a doctoral advisor, he has mentored researchers including Stephen Alstrup, continuing to influence the next generation of computer scientists. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and has influenced computational approaches in both theoretical and applied contexts.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Mikkel Thorup known for in computer science?
A: Mikkel Thorup is known for his significant contributions to algorithms and data structures, particularly in areas such as the "Maximum Overhang" problem for which he received the David P. Robbins Prize in 2011.

### Q: Where did Mikkel Thorup receive his education?
A: Mikkel Thorup received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Oxford between 1990 and 1994, under the supervision of Colin J. H. McDiarmid.

### Q: What awards has Mikkel Thorup received?
A: Mikkel Thorup has received several prestigious awards including being named an ACM Fellow in 2005, the David P. Robbins Prize in 2011, and the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award in 2015.

### Q: What is Mikkel Thorup's Erdős number?
A: Mikkel Thorup has an Erdős number of 2, indicating a collaborative distance of two from the renowned mathematician Paul Erdős.

## Why They Matter
Mikkel Thorup's work has significantly advanced the field of algorithms and data structures, providing theoretical foundations and practical solutions to complex computational problems. His research on the "Maximum Overhang" problem has become a classic in computational mathematics. As an educator and mentor, he has influenced generations of computer scientists, including his student Stephen Alstrup. The recognition he has received, including the ACM Fellowship and the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award, demonstrates the impact of his work on both theoretical computer science and practical applications.

## Notable For
- ACM Fellow (2005) for contributions to algorithms and data structures
- Recipient of the David P. Robbins Prize (2011) for work on "Maximum Overhang"
- Recipient of the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award (2015)
- Erdős number of 2, indicating high influence in academic networks
- Served as doctoral advisor to Stephen Alstrup

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mikkel Thorup was born on February 13, 1965, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Oxford between September 1990 and March 1994, under the supervision of Colin J. H. McDiarmid. His doctoral thesis was titled "Topics in computation."

### Academic and Professional Career
Thorup's academic career began at the University of Copenhagen, where he worked from 1993 to 1998 as part of the Department of Computer Science. He then joined AT&T Labs in 1998, where he remained until 2013. His research during this period focused on algorithms and data structures, building on his earlier work at Oxford.

### Research Contributions
Mikkel Thorup's most notable research contribution came in the area of the "Maximum Overhang" problem, which earned him the David P. Robbins Prize in 2011. This mathematical problem deals with determining the maximum possible overhang achievable by stacking blocks in a specific way. His work in algorithms has been widely cited and has influenced subsequent research in computational theory.

### Recognition and Honors
In 2005, Thorup was named an ACM Fellow in recognition of his contributions to algorithms and data structures. He received the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award in 2015, one of Denmark's premier research honors. His academic influence is further evidenced by his Erdős number of 2, placing him within a collaborative distance of two from mathematician Paul Erdős.

### Mentoring and Legacy
As a doctoral advisor, Thorup mentored several researchers including Stephen Alstrup. His academic lineage connects him to Colin J. H. McDiarmid, and through his mentorship, his influence extends to future generations of computer scientists. He continues to be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen's Department of Computer Science.

## References

1. [Source](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5237-1709)
2. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/award_winners/thorup_N004960#158)
3. [Source](https://veluxfoundations.dk/en/content/algorithms-professor-earns-denmarks-premier-research-honour)
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
6. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0001-5237-1709/researcher-urls/804227)
7. [E-Theses Online Service](http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.357621)
8. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0001-5237-1709/external-identifiers/540170)
9. [SciGraph](https://scigraph.springernature.com/person.011740621773.39)