Sam Sanders on a red base with his Destination Bochum (NRW) and Boost Story
Peer Story

The Social Side of Mathematics

Keeping up with the Boost fellow Sam Sanders. Sam explained his research on computing with continuous data, drawing from Turing and Kleene’s work to develop new mathematical approaches. He also shared insights on academic growth, the power of bold ideas, and the importance of diversity in mathematics.

In an exciting development for 2024, our colleague Dr. Birte Seffert embarks on a nationwide tour to meet with the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellows across Germany. The Keeping Up with the Boost Fellows series aims to shine a spotlight on the journeys, challenges, and achievements of our Fellows. 

On her travels to the KT Boost Fund Fellows, Birte visited three fellows based in North Rhine-Westfalia (NRW). After starting with Sabrina Bennstein in Aachen, Birte hops over to visit Dr. Sam Sanders, Mathematician at Ruhr University Bochum.

What is Sam´s Boost-funded project about?

Imagine looking at a computer screen and seeing individual pixels. This reminds us that all digital information is built from discrete units. But how can we compute with non-discrete objects, like those in mathematics and physics? Sam is solving this puzzle.

Sam’s project built on the work of Alan Turing and Stephen Kleene, two pioneers of computation, to develop a new approach to computing with continuous data. By marrying the strengths of Turing’s “machine model” and Kleene’s schemes, he contributes to paving the way for innovative methods that could advance both theoretical and applied mathematics.

Beyond his mathematical work, Sam highlights the social side of mathematics: even if the field promotes rigorous thinking, itwelcomes diverse minds on top of that, including many neurodivergent individuals, who bring their own perspectives to complex problems.

Sam’s Advice for Postdocs and PhD Students Building their Academic Career in Germany

1. Take the time to develop your ideas thoroughly and apply for third-party funding to pursue your ideas: The KT Boost Fund gave Sam the peace of mind to focus on his work, resulting in increased publications and laying the groundwork for his next book on reverse mathematics.

2. Don’t shy away from unconventional ideas: Incorporate experimental or unconventional topics into your research. Some of Sam’s bold ideas, initially uncertain, have grown into significant results.

3. Structure your work with clarity: Whether for a habilitation or a research paper, try to find a balance between established knowledge and novel ideas. Avoid overwhelming jargon and make sure your work tells a clear story.

For Sam, progress in mathematics means breaking free from stagnation—focusing on fresh ideas rather than endlessly refining old ones. And failure? It’s part of the process, as long as it pushes the field forward!

The KT Boost Fund is a joint program of GSO and the Klaus Tschira Foundation for postdoctoral researchers in the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science. It offers flexible funding for risky and interdisciplinary research on the way to academic independence. Funding can be used to hire staff, buy equipment, or build collaborations – tailored to the research project.