Sunday Esebre, a Nigerian mathematician and researcher at Texas Tech University, has called for stronger investment in mathematical research, warning that underfunding could slow innovation and breakthroughs.

In a recent media statement, Esebre emphasised that mathematics plays a critical role beyond theoretical work, serving as the backbone of advancements in technology, physics, and engineering.

“Mathematics is not just abstract; it is at the heart of technological progress and scientific exploration. Increased funding is necessary to sustain the kind of research that leads to breakthroughs,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of institutional support, Esebre received the Hildebrand Mathematics Scholar Award on April 27, 2022.

The award, given to outstanding scholars in the Mathematics Department at Texas Tech, recognized his contributions to mathematical research and his potential to advance the field.

His doctoral research, titled “A Recursive Relation in the Complement of the (2p+1, 2) Torus Knot”, explored Chern-Simons theory—a field first introduced by Fields Medalist Edward Witten.

He asserts in his statement that, this area of study bridges representation theory of Lie and quantum groups, three-dimensional geometry, and quantum physics.

Esebre’s work uncovered new combinatorial insights into the geometric structures of knots, using quantum physics as a tool to find patterns.

His findings resolved a mathematical problem previously raised by renowned mathematicians J. Przytycki and R.P. Bakshi.

“Chern-Simons theory shows how deeply mathematics is connected with other scientific disciplines,” he noted in the statement. “The results we achieve through mathematical research often impact fields like quantum computing, physics, and engineering. Investment in research like this is crucial because the benefits extend far beyond the mathematics community.”

Esebre earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos before completing both his Master’s and PhD degrees at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. His graduation ceremony was held on August 8, 2025.

Esebre’s commitment to advancing mathematics extends to teaching.

During his doctoral studies, he served as a Graduate Part-Time Instructor at Texas Tech University, where he taught undergraduate courses such as Calculus, College Algebra, and Contemporary Mathematics.

Through this role, he mentored students, encouraging them to see mathematics as a powerful problem-solving tool and a pathway to innovation.

“Supporting research also enhances education,” he added in his statement. “Strong mathematical research programs enrich the classroom, improve teaching quality, and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.”

Esebre is widely recognized for his contributions to mathematics and his dedication to advancing knowledge in the field.

With a strong academic record and groundbreaking research, he continues to be a voice for greater support for mathematics and science.