Member Seminar Speaker: Blake Bordelon, CMSA Title: Theory of Task-Adapted Dynamics in Large Recurrent Neural Networks Abstract: Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) encode expressive and flexible dynamical systems which can adapt to perform tasks by modifying the internal connections between neurons. In this work we analyze the structure of the dynamical systems encoded in RNNs after […]
Geometry and Quantum Theory Seminar Speakers: Max Hübner, CMSA Title: Bi-HKT Manifolds, Sigma Models, Large N=4 and their String Constructions Abstract: We continue our review of Witten's paper "Instantons and the Large N=4 Algebra". We discuss the realization of large N=4 supersymmetry in the context of supersymmetric sigma-models, and discuss and motivate string theoretic duals […]
New Technologies in Mathematics Seminar Speaker: Courtney Paquette, McGill University Title: Scaling Stochastic Momentum from Theory to LLMs Abstract: Given the massive scale of modern ML models, we now often get only a single shot to train them effectively. This limits our ability to sweep architectures and hyperparameters, making it essential to understand how learning algorithms scale […]
Differential Geometry and Physics Seminar Speaker: Mirjam Cvetic, University of Pennsylvania Title: Higher Symmetries, Eta Invariants and Anomaly Theories Abstract: In recent years, much progress has been made in understanding the extra-dimensional origin of higher symmetry structures of many quantum field theories (QFTs) obtained via geometric engineering. Among others, our understanding of anomaly structures in QFTs has […]
Member Seminar Speaker: Saman Habibi Esfahani, CMSA Title: Gauge theory, from low dimensions to higher dimensions and back Abstract: Almost thirty years ago, Donaldson and Thomas proposed extending powerful ideas from gauge theory, which had transformed the study of three- and four-dimensional manifolds, to higher dimensions, with the goal of defining new invariants of special […]
Colloquium Speaker: L. Mahadevan, Harvard Title: Inverse problems in soft and active matter Abstract: How can one grow a face or a flower from a flat sheet? Fold a sheet into an origami pattern? Control phase separation? Transport a drop of active matter? Steer an ant swarm? I will discuss potential answers to some of […]
Geometry and Quantum Theory Seminar Speaker: Sanjay Raman, Harvard Title: Solitonic Symmetry: Cohomology with TFT Coefficients Abstract: We review the formalism of https://arxiv.org/pdf/2307.00939, which develops the theory of solitonic symmetry in quantum field theory. The algebraic structure of solitonic symmetry is determined by the fusion of topological functionals in a given path-integral formulation of topological field theory, and […]
2026 Ding Shum Lecture Date: March 4, 2026 Time: 4:00 pm Location: Harvard Science Center Hall D & via Zoom Webinar Speaker: Sanjeev Arora, Princeton Title: How could a Superhuman AI mathematician come about? Abstract: Can AI systems exceed the capabilities of the human experts who provided their training data? The talk will examine the […]
Differential Geometry and Physics Seminar Speaker: Vivek Shende (Syddansk Universitet & UC Berkeley) Title: Fukaya categories and higher representation theory Abstract: I will explain how Lagrangian Floer homology in certain monopole moduli spaces recovers the Khovanov homology and its relatives, by a description strikingly similar to the Oszvath-Szabo Heegard-Floer theory. I will also explain how the […]
Freedman Seminar Speakers: Mattie Ji (Penn) and Jeongwan Haah (Stanford) Mattie Ji Title: Quantum Cellular Automata via Algebraic K-Theory Abstract: Algebraic K-theory, on a very high level, is the study of how to break apart and assemble objects linearly, which makes the field amenable to classification questions. In this work, we apply this methodology to study […]
Quantum Field Theory and Physical Mathematics Seminar Speaker: Davide Gaiotto (Perimeter Institute)
CMSA/Tsinghua Math-Science Literature Lecture Date: March 10, 2026 Time: 8:45 - 10:15 am ET Location: Harvard Science Center Hall A, 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA & via Zoom Webinar Speaker: Martin Bridson FRS is the Whitehead Professor of Pure Mathematics at Oxford and President of the Clay Mathematics Institute. Title: Profinite rigidity: Chasing finite shadows […]