Piotr Achinger is a professor at KSE University and academic director of the Master’s and PhD programs in mathematics. In October, he received the 2026 National Science Centre (NCN) Award in the field of physical sciences and engineering for his research in algebraic geometry. Since 2025, Achinger has worked in Warsaw and at the Faculty of Mathematics, which KSE University has established and continues to develop with the support of the Simons Foundation. At the award ceremony, Piotr said that he had first prepared a popular science talk about his research, but at the last moment decided to speak about the creation and work of the KSE Faculty of Mathematics. He dedicated his award to students in Kyiv who study in person despite the challenges of wartime.
What research earned Piotr Achinger the NCN award
Achinger received the National Science Centre award for results that offer new ways to describe complex geometric objects and reveal connections between algebra, topology, and number theory. In a series of eight scientific papers, Piotr solved classical problems of geometry under new, more complex mathematical conditions. In particular, he proved that a broad class of geometric objects has an unexpectedly simple structure.
An Inside Look: Piotr Achinger on How KSE University Works During the War
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KSE is a leading university in Ukraine that, with the help of numerous sponsors, is working to preserve and develop higher education in the country. Despite difficult conditions, it keeps opening new programs: from its initial focus on economics, through the social sciences, to engineering and, soon, physics. The decision to open the Faculty of Mathematics was made about two to three years ago, and it became possible thanks to a grant from the Simons Foundation.
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An international centre, also established after 2022, works alongside us: the International Centre for Mathematics in Ukraine (ICMU), which organizes schools, conferences, and guest lectures. Its board includes several Fields Medalists, among them Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska.
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I would like to point out that much of the support for Ukrainian scientists and students, however important, focuses on finding them places in Western countries, in the hope that after the war ends they will return and help rebuild the country. But this is not enough, not only because many will not return, but also because many cannot leave, or do not want to.
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Instead, mathematics should come to Ukraine. Support for this community is needed now: it lifts morale and gives people hope for recovery. It also contributes to the development of technologies needed for the country’s defense and its reconstruction.
· You remember COVID and its bleak impact on the lives of students and professors, who would never want to return to Zoom lectures addressed to blank black screens. Students and pupils in Ukraine experienced this during COVID, and then, in many cities, continuously since 2022.
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A significant portion of Ukraine’s leading universities conduct their classes online. We are currently giving them the opportunity to study offline — we have as many classrooms underground as we do above ground. New students often cannot believe that learning will be in person, and they choose us for this very reason.
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During the last admissions cycle, we attracted the top math students in all of Ukraine. One of our leading students, Evan, mentioned during his first year that he chose KSE because we are the only place where he can study Galois theory.
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I witnessed students in the shelter helping professors conduct classes by illuminating the blackboards with their phone flashlights before generators were installed.
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During the last harsh winter, the university unexpectedly introduced a two-week break from classes. Our students nearly revolted: the opportunity to come to campus and participate in classes together was helping them get through that difficult time. Furthermore, the university had consistent heating and allowed students to stay overnight on campus.
