Dr. Roy Wagner

Professor

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Biography

Roy Wagner is a Full Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Political Sciences at ETH Zurich. He completed his Ph.D. at Tel Aviv University with distinctions. His research interests focus on the history and philosophy of mathematics, exploring how mathematical concepts are understood and accepted across different cultures and historical periods. Over the years, he has held various academic roles, including fellowships and teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He has authored significant studies on vernacular mathematics of medieval South India and has been involved in several high-profile research projects that examine cultural and philosophical aspects of mathematics.

Research Interests

History of Mathematics Philosophy of Mathematics

Experience

Full Professor

2016-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Full professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Political Sciences.

Adjunct Teacher

2015-01-01 — 2016-01-01

Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Jaffa • Tel Aviv, Israel

Taught courses in the Computer Science department.

Research Fellow

2014-01-01 — 2016-01-01

Minerva Center Humanities, Tel Aviv University • Tel Aviv, Israel

Conducted research on various humanities topics.

Research Fellow

2010-01-01 — 2014-01-01

Martin Buber Society Fellows, Hebrew University Jerusalem • Jerusalem, Israel

Engaged in philosophical research.

Post-Doc

2009-01-01 — 2010-01-01

Edelstein Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem • Jerusalem, Israel

Conducted postdoctoral research.

Post-Doc

2008-01-01 — 2009-01-01

Max Planck Institute for the History of Science • Berlin, Germany

Conducted postdoctoral research.

Teaching Appointment

2008-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Cohn Institute, Tel Aviv University • Tel Aviv, Israel

Taught various mathematics courses.

Post-Doc

2007-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Center for History and Philosophy of Science, Boston University • Boston, USA

Conducted postdoctoral research.

Senior Lecturer

1999-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Jaffa • Tel Aviv, Israel

Lectured in the Computer Science department.

Research Worker

1999-01-01 — 2007-01-01

Mathematics Department, Tel-Aviv University • Tel Aviv, Israel

Conducted research in mathematics.

Post-Doc

1998-01-01 — 1998-01-01

Mathematics Department, Cambridge University • Cambridge, UK

Conducted supervision under Prof. W.T. Gowers.

Post-Doc

1997-01-01 — 1997-01-01

Equipe d'analyse, Paris 6 • Paris, France

Conducted postdoctoral research.

Associate Student

1996-01-01 — 1996-01-01

Math. Sciences Research Institute • Berkeley, California, USA

Participated as an associate student.

Teaching Assistant

1993-01-01 — 1996-01-01

Mathematics Department, Tel-Aviv University • Tel Aviv, Israel

Assisted in teaching various courses.

Awards

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Host DFG Fellow

2025-01-01
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Host Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow

2023-01-01
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Host Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow

2019-01-01
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SNSF Project Funding

2019-01-01
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British Library Endangered Archives Project

2017-01-01
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ETH Seed Grant

2017-01-01
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International Workshop Award

2016-01-01
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Funkenstein Award

2008-01-01
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Clore Foundation / Chevening Scholarship

1998-01-01
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Chateaubriand / Tel-Aviv University Scholarship

1997-01-01
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Outstanding PhD Student Awards

1995-01-01

Courses

Sampler Histories Philosophies Mathematics Bruno Latour's Modes of Existence: Philosophical Approach Science Society Humanities Colloquium

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.