George Pólya Prize in Applied Combinatorics

This prize is intended to emphasize applications of combinatorics and is funded by the estate of Stella Pólya in memory of her husband George. The prize is a modification of the older George Pólya Prize in Combinatorics, originally established as the George Pólya Prize in 1969.

Prize Description

The George Pólya Prize in Combinatorics, originally established in 1969, is awarded every four years for a notable application of combinatorial theory. The prize is broadly intended to recognize specific work. The award may occasionally be made for cumulative work, but such awards should be rare.

Read the full prize specifications.

Eligibility Criteria

The prize should be given for a single piece of work. The prize may be awarded to multiple individuals but only for contributions to a single piece of their collaborative work.

Required Materials

  • Nominator’s letter of recommendation for candidate(s)
  • CV(s) of the candidate(s)
  • Two or three letters of support from experts in the field
  • CV of the candidate (not to exceed three pages)

About the Award

The next award of the George Pólya Prize in Applied Combinatorics will be made at the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Learn more about the past recipients and selection committees.

Award Date

The prize will be presented by the SIAM President at SIAM Annual Meeting or a similar venue. The announcement of the award will appear in SIAM News, the SIAM website, and appropriate electronic media.

Award Presentation

The initial funds for this prize were contributed by the estate of Stella V. Pólya.