Many important topics in computer science, such as the correctness of software, the efficiency of algorithms and the modeling of complicated systems, depend on sound theoretical underpinnings. In the Theory group, we study these fundamental building blocks and develop verification methods to prove system…

Many important topics in computer science, such as the correctness of software, the efficiency of algorithms and the modeling of complicated systems, depend on sound theoretical underpinnings. In the Theory group, we study these fundamental building blocks and develop verification methods to prove system…

The research programme Probability Theory focuses on probability theory and on operations research.

The research of the Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory programme ranges from fundamental mathematical theory to algorithms and applications.

In analogy to mathematical proofs, the goal of a proof system is for a prover to convince a verifier of the correctness of a claim.

Subproject of

This book addresses the definition of history and how people are influenced by it.

Sentencing is becoming increasingly complex for the courts. Legal scholars and criminologists from Leiden document the process of sentencing in the Netherlands. They use this knowledge to advise legislators and those who implement this legislation on how to make sentencing more consistent and effect…

The research of the Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory cluster tries to bridge the gap between abstract theory and the world of algorithms and applications.

Promotor: H.W. Lenstra, Jr., Co-promotor: B. de Smit

The Death of Archaeological Theory, edited by John Bintliff and Mark Pearce, addresses the provocative subject of whether it is time to discount the burden of somewhat dogmatic theory and ideology that has built up over the last 25 years.

The terms ‘social’ , ‘collective’ or ‘public’ memory, are often contrasted with ‘private’, ‘individual’ or ‘personal’ memory. All these terms derive from a fairly new and interdisciplinary scholarly field that is often referred to as ‘memory studies’, and that according to some critics has developed…

This dissertation is a collection of four research articles devoted to the study of Kummer theory for commutative algebraic groups.

Promotor: S.J. Edixhoven, Co-promotor: R.S. de Jong

In this thesis we examine certain phenomena in symplectic topology which are related to the theory of isolated singularities.

The master’s specialisation Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory at Leiden University is aimed at students who wish to acquire a profound knowledge of one of the areas within pure mathematics. There is a strong theme dealing with algebra and number theory as well as a strong theme dealing with topology…

Edited by linguists Jenny Audring (Leiden University) and Francesca Masini (University of Bologna), this is a unique handbook with a focus on morphology theories rather than morphological data. It covers a wide array of morphological theories, from traditional twentieth century models to current theoretical…

Truth is stranger than fiction. In 1997 Juan Maldaceña discovered a remarkable dictionary that translates equation for equation the physics of black holes in string theory into the more conventional physics of quantum mechanics of interacting particles. The remarkable possibility exists that…

Explore the MSc in Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University. Dive into core themes like justice and legitimacy, study classical and modern political theory, and sharpen your analytical and philosophical skills.

This MA explores contemporary literature and culture—art, film, pop music—through critical and theoretical lenses, including feminist theory, phenomenology, and ecocriticism. Key themes include diversity, interculturality, popular culture, and the intersection of culture, politics, and justice.

The focus of Jan Zaanen's theoretical physics research was the nature of macroscopic matter that is in one or the other way still in the grip of quantum physics.

Are you thinking about studying Cultural Analysis: Literature and Theory? Learn more and watch the introduction video.

Imitation is, perhaps more than ever, constitutive of human originality.

My PhD research is devoted to studies of the conjectural cluster-algebraic symmetry in the theory of topological string, which is the simplest, however already non-trivial sector in the theory of string.

The Summer School on International Humanitarian Law is designed by the Grotius Centre Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law. The announcement for the next edition is set for December 2025, with registration beginning in January 2026.

This six-weeks online course delves into the research behind terrorism as it unpacks the assumptions and impacts of both terrorism and counterterrorism.

We study the structure, dynamics and physics of complex networks emerging from the intricate interconnectedness of the constituents of large systems.

Western thought has often dismissed shadows as fictional, but what if fictions reveal original truths?

The focus of our theoretical research is understanding the behaviour of soft condensed matter, physical matter which is deformed or structurally altered by thermal fluctuations or small stresses.

Organized by the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, this programme enables students and professionals from all over the world to engage in discussions on the prospects and challenges of international criminal justice.

On the brink of war, what influences decision makers to attack another country? Using innovative theoretical angles, Femke E. Bakker explores whether the basic assumptions of democratic peace theory are indeed correct. She stresses the microfoundations of conflict, questioning the assumptions on…

Promotor: K.E. Schalm, Co-promotor: S.S. Lee

'Politics of Withdrawal' considers the significance of practices and theories of withdrawal for radical thinking today.

The linguistic project constitutes the connection between the two other subprojects. It consists of two parts.

Political protest is often at least partially about the question of legitimacy. How can we distinguish whether a regime is legitimate, or merely purports to be so?

On the 28th of September Go Hirasawa successfully defended a doctoral thesis and graduated.

This study looks at the question of how and at what level students in primary teacher education can integrate theory and practice, and how the organisation of their learning environment, focusing especially on mathematics and pedagogy, can contribute to that.

Explore the programme of the MSc Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University — focusing on core political philosophy themes, in-depth theory, methods, elective seminars, and a thesis or internship track.

Explore the structure of the MSc Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University, including core courses, electives, method training, thesis or internship, and small‑group seminars.

In this work we describe three methods to improve the performance of Quantum Field Theory calculations.

Systems with local constraints is a new finding in recent researches on complex systems. The heterogeneous spatial interactions and the temporal dependencies among those numerous units make it difficult to describe by traditional statistical physics.

Following their application to system biological models, control theory techniques have further potential to aid in the understanding and application of quantitative systems pharmacology models.

The next generation of high-contrast imaging instruments on space-based observatories requires sophisticated wavefront sensing and control in addition to a high-performance coronagraph.

On 16 april 2020, Andrew Fink defended his thesis 'The Importance of Conspiracy Theory in Extremist Ideology and Propaganda'. The doctoral research was supervised by Prof. A. Ellian.

Is there a causal mechanism underlying the decision to attack another country when on the brink of war? If so, does this mechanism differ between regime-types? Political scientist Femke Bakker (Leiden University) addresses this question from a political psychological and comparative perspective and…

Check the admission requirements for the MSc Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University — bachelor degree in (or related to) Political Science with sufficient relevant credits and, if needed, research‑methodology background.

How can we gain insights in the connection between teaching practices and theoretical elaborations of purposes of education?

While self-driving cars and autonomous weapon systems have received a great deal of attention in media and research, the general requirements of ethical life in today’s digitalizing reality have not been made sufficiently visible and evaluable.

The relevance of intentionality to the interpretation of Aristotle was first suggested by Brentano in his Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint. Here we take our starting point from Brentano and investigate how Brentano’s concept of intentionality is rooted in Aristotle.