Sandholm Earns Alfred Kordelin Prize for AI Research With Global Impact

Tuomas Sandholm, the Angel Jordan University Professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, has been awarded the Alfred Kordelin Prize, one of Finland's most prestigious honors recognizing outstanding contributions to science, the arts and public education. The 50,000-euro award, presented annually by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation, honors individuals whose work advances Finnish society through innovation, diversity and international reach.

A native of Finland and graduate of the Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University), Sandholm has spent much of his career advancing computational techniques that bridge theory and application. The Alfred Kordelin Prize recognizes his ongoing contributions to artificial intelligence research and its role in addressing practical challenges that benefit society.

Sandholm is widely recognized for research that combines AI, game theory and operations research to solve large-scale societal problems. His algorithms have powered the U.S. national kidney exchange since 2010, identifying optimal combinations of kidney-swapping cycles and chains to maximize successful transplants. The system has influenced similar programs around the world. He also co-invented altruist-donor chains, which have generated over 10,000 lifesaving transplants worldwide.

In addition to his academic research, Sandholm has also founded several technology companies that apply AI methods to industry and the government. CombineNet, founded in 1997, developed combinatorial auction systems that improved logistics and reduced costs and emissions. His more recent company, Strategy Robot, creates game-theoretic AIs for defense applications. The company has developed the nation's leading fighter pilot AIs used to train and assist human pilots, as well as superhuman AIs to aid with training, command and control, missile defense, diplomacy, and maintaining nuclear stability.

"It was wonderful to receive such a recognition from Finland," said Sandholm. "I am deeply honored, especially given the august set of prior awardees over the last 100 years. Alfred Kordelin was a pioneer of philanthropy for science, art and public education."

Sandholm was honored with composer Outi Tarkiainen and philosopher Timo Miettinen for achievements that exemplify the foundation's mission to promote a better, more sustainable future.

For more information, visit the Alfred Kordelinin Säätiö website.