In this project, the student will choose one of the modern topics in algorithms and complexity, e.g. parameterized, approximate, distributed or randomized algorithms, and read a series of books and papers on it. The student will also be required to develop their coding abilities at the level of international algorithmic/programming competitions. Finally, after obtaining this required background, the student will choose a topic of interest in modern algorithmics and contribute to state-of-the-art research. The project is likely to span over more than one year and the students should consider this when choosing this UROP.