Professor portrait: Eva Rotenberg wants to make algorithms simpler – for everyone’s benefit
On October 3, 2025, at 14:30, Professor Eva Rotenberg will deliver an inaugural lecture in Auditorium 02 at the IT University of Copenhagen. The lecture is titled: “A story of shortest paths.”
Eva RotenbergProfessor portraitResearchalgorithms
Written 22 September, 2025 07:31
Photo: Lars Svankjær
Words: Mette Strange Mogensen
Professor Eva Rotenberg conducts research in theoretical computer science with a focus on algorithmics – that is, questions about how efficiently a given computation can be performed. Breakthroughs in algorithmics can lead to faster and more energy-efficient programmes.
Algorithmic problems are precise relationships between input and output, and an algorithm is a method for solving such a problem. “A typical research result would be a new algorithm along with a mathematical proof that the algorithm is both correct and more efficient than previous solutions,” says Eva Rotenberg.
“Other times, we show connections between two different algorithmic problems – for example, that an improved solution to one problem leads to an improved solution to another, perhaps more well-known, problem. In both cases, we gain a deeper understanding of how efficiently computations can be carried out.”
Certain types of algorithmic problems are especially close to Eva Rotenberg’s heart: “Within algorithmics, I’ve specialised in graphs (the mathematical model for networks) and geometric problems. I began by studying networks that change over time, as new connections appear and others disappear. Can we quickly update our knowledge of the network after each change? Answering such questions requires storing an entire structure of intermediate calculations, so that after each change, we can reuse the parts that are still correct and update only the few that are no longer valid.”
Collaboration creates value
As an algorithmics researcher, one is part of a community. Both locally and globally, scholars of algorithmics make efforts to get to know each other and create meaningful collaborations. For Eva Rotenberg, working with other researchers brings great value in everyday life.
“I’m truly passionate about collaboration, and I hope exciting new collaborations will emerge with my new colleagues here at ITU.” For Eva, collaboration extends beyond national and disciplinary boundaries: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a member of the Young Academy (DUA) and the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science (EATCS). These platforms allow me to help improve terms for young researchers and shape their research environment and working conditions,” says Eva Rotenberg.
Simpler algorithms for the greater good
A growing area of interest in theoretical algorithmics is algorithmic simplification. Here, researchers aim to obtain known results in more direct ways that are easier to understand, verify, disseminate, and implement in practice. Eva has helped advance this discipline and create venues for publishing such results. As part of the steering committee for the European Symposium on Algorithms (ESA), Eva was part of initiating a new track dedicated to algorithmic simplification.
“My interests in research, teaching, and aesthetics come together in algorithmic simplification,” says Eva Rotenberg. “There’s something truly amazing about the moment when you understand something new – or understand something in a new way. When I teach, I hope to facilitate those eureka moments for the students. My role is to give just enough hints for them to discover the answers themselves,” Eva concludes.
Theis Duelund Jensen, Press Officer, phone +45 2555 0447, email thej@itu.dk