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Sushant Sachdeva recognized with McLean Award
Published: December 19, 2025
Sushant Sachdeva, an associate professor in the department of mathematical and computational sciences at U of T Mississauga and the tri-campus graduate department of computer science, has received the 2024–25 McLean Award.
Funded by the University of Toronto’s Connaught Fund, the McLean Award supports early-career researchers in physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering sciences and statistical sciences. The award helps recipients attract and support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as part of their research teams.
Sachdeva is recognized for driving progress on crucial algorithmic challenges including maximum flow, linear programming and solving linear systems. His work has delivered a rare breakthrough: algorithms that run in almost linear time, enabling efficient solving of complex problems on massive networks and powering advances in machine learning, optimization and scientific computing.
“Professor Sachdeva’s research program and exceptional record of achievement stood out to the Connaught Committee,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “His breakthroughs in near-linear time algorithms for maximum flow and other complex problems are advancing computer science, and we’re proud to recognize his leadership.”
“With the AI revolution at our doorstep, I am excited to pursue a research agenda to explore how we will utilize large models to discover new knowledge,” Sachdeva said. “I am thrilled and deeply honoured by this recognition – it’s a powerful encouragement to keep tackling ambitious problems with my students and collaborators.”
