Dr. Dmitry Zakharov receives Simons Foundation Travel Grant for mathematics research

Dr. Dmitry Zakharov, a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics at Central Michigan University (CMU), has been awarded the Travel Support for Mathematicians Grant from the Simons Foundation. The grant provides $42,000 over five years to support travel and research activities.

The grant will support Dr. Zakharov’s research in algebraic and tropical geometry, a branch of mathematics that studies solution sets of polynomial equations. Tropical geometry seeks combinatorial, piecewise-linear analogues of classical algebraic geometry objects. His work focuses on tropical versions of vector bundles, principal bundles, abelian varieties, and double covers of algebraic curves.

According to Dr. Zakharov, travel is essential for mathematicians. “Mathematicians don’t need labs or research supplies, but being able to attend conferences, seminars, and visit collaborators is critical for advancing research. Even with modern communications, there is no substitute for working together in person at a blackboard,” he explained.

The grant will enable Dr. Zakharov to visit coauthors in Europe during the summer and attend the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia. It also provides flexibility for establishing new collaborations and inviting colleagues to CMU.

Receiving external grants also holds professional significance. The Simons Foundation’s Travel Support for Mathematicians Grant provides funding specifically for travel and research, helping mathematicians advance their work and contribute to the broader mathematics community.