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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T170000
DTSTAMP:20260501T113539
CREATED:20250502T183823Z
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UID:10003751-1776240000-1776358800@cmsa.fas.harvard.edu
SUMMARY:Swampland and our Universe
DESCRIPTION:Swampland and our Universe \nDates: April 15–16\, 2026 \nLocation: Harvard CMSA\, Room G10\, 20 Garden Street\, Cambridge MA \nThe swampland program has inspired a range of new ideas in both cosmology and neutrino physics. This workshop brings together experts in neutrino physics\, dark energy\, dark matter\, early-universe cosmology\, and string theory to share insights on these developments and to discuss current and future experimental tests. \nSpeakers \n\nIgnatios Antoniadis\, IAS\, Princeton\nAlek Bedroya\, Princeton\nMike Boylan-Kolchin\, UT Austin\nM.C. Gonzalez-Garcia\, YITP Stony Brook & ICREA U. Barcelona\nMustapha Ishak-Boushaki\, UT Dallas\nMarc Kamionkowski\, Johns Hopkins\nMiguel Montero\, Institute of Theoretical Physics\, Madrid\nGeorges Obied\, U Chicago\nMatt Reece\, Harvard\nTracy Slatyer\, MIT\n\nOrganizers: Luis Anchordoqui (CUNY Lehman College)\, Sonia Paban (Harvard Physics)\, and  Cumrun Vafa (Harvard Physics) \n  \n \n  \n  \nVideos are available on the CMSA Youtube Swampland Playlist \nSchedule\n(download pdf) \nWednesday\, Apr. 15\, 2026 \n8:00–9:00 am\nBreakfast \n9:00–10:00 am\nMarc Kamionkowski\, Johns Hopkins: Dark-matter dynamics and new physics \nAbstract: Galactic halos that are spherical\, stationary\, and composed of collisionless dark matter are easy to describe mathematically. If dark matter decays or interacts or there is some departure from equilibrium or time evolution of the system\, all bets are off. In this case costly N-body simulations are required. If\, however\, one retains the assumption of spherical symmetry\, these systems can be evolved numerically with a far simpler algorithm that is easily coded run in a matter of minutes on a laptop\, rather than a day on a supercomputer. I will describe this approach and illustrate with simulations of self-interacting dark matter\, decaying dark matter (with and without anisotropic velocity distributions\, supermassive-black-hole growth\, tidal stripping\, mixed SIDM/CDM models. Come prepared with your own non-standard dark-matter model; we’ll see if we can simulate it during the talk! \n10:00–10:30 am\nCoffee Break \n10:30–11:30 am\nTracy Slatyer\, MIT: What (more) the CMB can teach us about dark matter \nAbstract: Observations of the cosmic microwave background have already provided critical evidence for dark matter\, but can also stringently constrain a range of dark matter properties. I will outline CMB constraints on dark matter properties based on purely gravitational effects\, and then discuss in more detail how both CMB anisotropies and the blackbody spectrum can be used to test dark matter interactions with the Standard Model. \n11:30 am–1:00 pm\nLunch Break (catered) \n1:00–2:00 pm\nAlek Bedroya\, Princeton: How Quantum Gravity Constrains Physics on the Largest Length Scales \nAbstract: I will review the hierarchy of energy scales in quantum gravity\, from the Hubble scale in the IR to the quantum-gravity cutoff and the Planck scale in the UV\, and emphasize the nontrivial UV/IR relations that connect them. I will discuss conjectures constraining scalar potentials and explain how they are related to the behavior of the other energy scales\, together with bottom-up arguments based on general principles of quantum gravity such as holography. In particular\, I will explain how well-motivated holographic assumptions lead to strong restrictions on scalar potentials\, ruling out parametrically prolonged accelerated expansion for positive potentials and obstructing parametric scale separation for negative potentials associated with AdS vacua. Title:
How Quantum Gravity Constrains Physics on the Largest Length Scales\nAbstract:
I will review the hierarchy of energy scales in quantum gravity\, from the Hubble scale in the IR to the quantum-gravity cutoff and the Planck scale in the UV\, and emphasize the nontrivial UV/IR relations that connect them. I will discuss conjectures constraining scalar potentials and explain how they are related to the behavior of the other energy scales\, together with bottom-up arguments based on general principles of quantum gravity such as holography. In particular\, I will explain how well-motivated holographic assumptions lead to strong restrictions on scalar potentials\, ruling out parametrically prolonged accelerated expansion for positive potentials and obstructing parametric scale separation for negative potentials associated with AdS vacua. \n2:00–2:30 pm\nCoffee Break \n2:30–3:30 pm\nMustapha Ishak-Boushaki\, UT Dallas: Persistent and serious challenge to the ΛCDM throne: Evidence for dynamical dark energy rising from combinations of different types of datasets \nAbstract: We derive multiple constraints on dark energy and compare dynamical dark energy models with a time-varying equation of state (w0waCDM) versus a cosmological constant model (LCDM). We use Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) from DESI and DES\, Cosmic Microwave Background from Planck with and without lensing from Planck and ACT (noted CMBL and CMB\, respectively)\, supernovae(SN)\, and cross-correlations between galaxy positions and galaxy lensing from DES. We use pairs or triplets of datasets where we exclude one type of dataset each time and categorize them as “NO SN”\, “NO CMB” and “NO BAO” combinations. In all cases\, we find that the combinations favor the w0waCDM model over LCDM\, with significance ranging from 2.0 to 3.0-sigma. The persistence of this pattern across various dataset combinations even when any of the datasets is excluded supports an overall validation of this trending result regardless of any specific dataset. Next\, we use larger combinations of these datasets after verifying their mutual consistency within the w0waCDM model. We find combinations that give robust significance levels\, with DESI+DESY6BAO+CMBL+SN giving 3.4-sigma. In sum\, while we need to remain cautious\, the trend and pattern of these results beyond any single type of dataset and their associated systematics presents a compelling overall portrait not in favor of the LCDM and constitutes a serious challenge to the model’s reign. A few other cosmological results will be provided. \n3:30–4:00 pm\nCoffee Break \n4:00–5:00 pm\nGeorges Obied\, U Chicago: The Dark Dimension and its interplay with DESI data \nAbstract: In this talk\, I will discuss the motivation for considering an extra mesoscopic Dark Dimension of length l ~ 1 – 10 microns\, taking into account theoretical and observational arguments. I will then talk about cosmological aspects of the Dark Dimension. In particular this scenario leads\, by the universal coupling of the Standard Model sector to bulk gravitons\, to massive spin 2 KK excitations of the graviton in the Dark Dimension (the “dark gravitons”) as an unavoidable dark matter candidate. Observations allow such an extra dimension of size in the micron range. Finally\, I will discuss how this scenario can naturally accommodate features recently observed by the DESI survey such as an effective dark energy equation of state that is smaller than -1. \n   \nThursday\, Apr. 16\, 2026 \n8:00–8:30 am\nBreakfast \n8:30–9:30 am\nMC Gonzalez-Garcia\, YITP Stony Brook & ICREA U. Barcelona: Massive Neutrinos in 2026: What we know\, what we do not know (yet?)\, and what we do not understand \nAbstract: In this talk I will present an update of the current understanding (and some not understanding) of the neutrino masses and the lepton mixing and some other minimal SM extensions as derived from direct scrutiny of the results of neutrino flavour oscillation experiments\, some other laboratory probes\, and the cosmos. \n9:30–10:00 am\nCoffee Break \n10:00–11:00 am\nMiguel Montero\, IFT\, Madrid: Neutrinos and B-L symmetry in the Dark Dimension scenario \nAbstract: The Dark Dimension proposes the existe of a micrometer-sized large extra dimension\, whose size is tied to the observed small vacuum energy. I will review the scenario\, and then discuss how to embed the B-L global symmetry of the SM\, focusing on one possibility which leads to an explanation of the observed coincidence between neutrino mass scale and the  vacuum energy scale\, while leading to 3 light species of right-handed neutrinos. I will also briefly discuss potential opportunities for detection of the resulting neutrino oscillations. \n11:00–11:30 am\nCoffee Break \n11:30 am–12:30 pm\nIgnatios Antoniadis\, IAS\, Princeton: Searching for the dark dimension in neutrino experiments \nAbstract: Micron size extra dimensions offer a possibility to explain the smallness of neutrino masses if the right-handed neutrino propagates in the higher dimensional bulk. I will discuss the theoretical framework and the experimental signatures of this proposal in present and future experiments of KATRIN prototype\, aiming to measure the magnitude of neutrino masses and to search for extra sterile-type species. \n12:30–1:30 pm\nLunch Break (catered) \n1:30–2:30 pm\nMike Boylan-Kolchin\, UT Austin: Galaxies as Tracers of the Matter Density Field \nAbstract: Galaxy formation is often (rightly) thought of as involving a complex interplay of messy astrophysical processes\, but it also traces the nonlinear evolution of the matter density in the Universe. Remarkably\, it appears that properties of this nonlinear field are intimately connected to properties of the initial linear fluctuations and some basic physics of dark matter interactions. I will explore some of these connections\, with applications that include the surprisingly fast evolution of early galaxy formation as revealed by JWST and properties of the lowest-mass dark matter clumps capable of hosting galaxies in the local Universe.\n2:30–3:00 pm\nCoffee Break \n3:00–4:00 pm\nMatt Reece\, Harvard: Axions from String Theory\, and String Theory from Axions \nAbstract: String theory compactifications contain the right ingredients to produce axion fields that might solve the Strong CP problem or contribute to dark matter or dynamical dark energy in our universe. After briefly reviewing some of these ingredients\, I will frame the inverse question: suppose that an axion is discovered\, and its decay constant is measured in an experiment. Could this help us to locate ourselves in the string landscape? In particular\, I will discuss how an axion could give us clues about the fundamental string scale and the scale of supersymmetry breaking. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://cmsa.fas.harvard.edu/event/swampland2026/
LOCATION:CMSA 20 Garden Street Cambridge\, Massachusetts 02138 United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231027
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231029
DTSTAMP:20260501T113539
CREATED:20230904T060021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240624T182341Z
UID:10000002-1698364800-1698537599@cmsa.fas.harvard.edu
SUMMARY:Mathematics in Science: Perspectives and Prospects
DESCRIPTION:Mathematics in Science: Perspectives and Prospects\nA showcase of mathematics in interaction with physics\, computer science\, biology\, and beyond. \nOctober 27–28\, 2023 \nLocation: Harvard University Science Center Hall D & via Zoom. \nDirections and Recommended Lodging \nMathematics in Science: Perspectives and Prospects Youtube Playlist \n  \n\nSpeakers \n\nNima Arkani-Hamed (IAS)\nConstantinos Daskalakis (MIT)\nAlison Etheridge (Oxford)\nMike Freedman (Harvard CMSA)\nGreg Moore (Rutgers)\nBernd Sturmfels (MPI Leipzig)\n\n\nOrganizers \n\nMichael R. Douglas (Harvard CMSA)\nDan Freed (Harvard Math & CMSA)\nMike Hopkins (Harvard Math)\nCumrun Vafa (Harvard Physics)\nHorng-Tzer Yau (Harvard Math)\n\nSchedule\nFriday\, October 27\, 2023 \n\n\n\n2:00–3:15 pm\n\nGreg Moore (Rutgers) \nTitle: Remarks on Physical Mathematics \nAbstract: I will describe some examples of the vigorous modern dialogue between mathematics and theoretical physics (especially high energy and condensed matter physics). I will begin by recalling Stokes’ phenomenon and explain how it is related to some notable developments in quantum field theory from the past 30 years. Time permitting\, I might also say something about the dialogue between mathematicians working on the differential topology of four-manifolds and physicists working on supersymmetric quantum field theories. But I haven’t finished writing the talk yet\, so I don’t know how it will end any more than you do. \nSlides (PDF) \n \n\n\n\n3:15–3:45 pm\nBreak\n\n\n3:45–5:00 pm\n\nBernd Sturmfels (MPI Leipzig) \nTitle: Algebraic Varieties in Quantum Chemistry \nAbstract: We discuss the algebraic geometry behind coupled cluster (CC) theory of quantum many-body systems. The high-dimensional eigenvalue problems that encode the electronic Schroedinger equation are approximated by a hierarchy of polynomial systems at various levels of truncation. The exponential parametrization of the eigenstates gives rise to truncation varieties. These generalize Grassmannians in their Pluecker embedding. We explain how to derive Hamiltonians\, we offer a detailed study of truncation varieties and their CC degrees\, and we present the state of the art in solving the CC equations. This is joint work with Fabian Faulstich and Svala Sverrisdóttir. \nSlides (PDF) \n \n\n\n\n\n  \nSaturday\, October 28\, 2023 \n\n\n\n9:00 am\nBreakfast\n\n\n9:30–10:45 am\n\nMike Freedman (Harvard CMSA) \nTitle: ML\, QML\, and Dynamics: What mathematics can help us understand and advance machine learning? \nAbstract: Vannila deep neural nets DNN repeatedly stretch and fold. They are reminiscent of the logistic map and the Smale horseshoe.  What kind of dynamics is responsible for their expressivity and trainability. Is chaos playing a role? Is the Kolmogorov Arnold representation theorem relevant? Large language models are full of linear maps. Might we look for emergent tensor structures in these highly trained maps in analogy with emergent tensor structures at local minima of certain loss functions in high-energy physics. \nSlides (PDF) \n \n\n\n\n10:45–11:15 am\nBreak\n\n\n11:15 am–12:30 pmvia Zoom\n\nNima Arkani-Hamed (IAS) \nTitle: All-Loop Scattering as A Counting Problem \nAbstract: I will describe a new understanding of scattering amplitudes based on fundamentally combinatorial ideas in the kinematic space of the scattering data. I first discuss a toy model\, the simplest theory of colored scalar particles with cubic interactions\, at all loop orders and to all orders in the topological ‘t Hooft expansion. I will present a novel formula for loop-integrated amplitudes\, with no trace of the conventional sum over Feynman diagrams\, but instead determined by a beautifully simple counting problem attached to any order of the topological expansion. A surprisingly simple shift of kinematic variables converts this apparent toy model into the realistic physics of pions and Yang-Mills theory. These results represent a significant step forward in the decade-long quest to formulate the fundamental physics of the real world in a new language\, where the rules of spacetime and quantum mechanics\, as reflected in the principles of locality and unitarity\, are seen to emerge from deeper mathematical structures. \n \n\n\n\n12:30–2:00 pm\nLunch break\n\n\n2:00–3:15 pm\n\nConstantinos Daskalakis (MIT) \nTitle: How to train deep neural nets to think strategically \nAbstract: Many outstanding challenges in Deep Learning lie at its interface with Game Theory: from playing difficult games like Go to robustifying classifiers against adversarial attacks\, training deep generative models\, and training DNN-based models to interact with each other and with humans. In these applications\, the utilities that the agents aim to optimize are non-concave in the parameters of the underlying DNNs; as a result\, Nash equilibria fail to exist\, and standard equilibrium analysis is inapplicable. So how can one train DNNs to be strategic? What is even the goal of the training? We shed light on these challenges through a combination of learning-theoretic\, complexity-theoretic\, game-theoretic and topological techniques\, presenting obstacles and opportunities for Deep Learning and Game Theory going forward. \nSlides (PDF) \n \n\n\n\n3:15–3:45 pm\nBreak\n\n\n3:45–5:00 pm\n\nAlison Etheridge (Oxford) \nTitle: Modelling hybrid zones \nAbstract: Mathematical models play a fundamental role in theoretical population genetics and\, in turn\, population genetics provides a wealth of mathematical challenges. In this lecture we investigate the interplay between a particular (ubiquitous) form of natural selection\, spatial structure\, and\, if time permits\, so-called genetic drift. A simple mathematical caricature will uncover the importance of the shape of the domain inhabited by a species for the effectiveness of natural selection. \nSlides (PDF) \n \n\n\n\n\nLimited funding to help defray travel expenses is available for graduate students and recent PhDs. If you are a graduate student or postdoc and would like to apply for support\, please register above and send an email to mathsci2023@cmsa.fas.harvard.edu no later than October 9\, 2023. \nPlease include your name\, address\, current status\, university affiliation\, citizenship\, and area of study. F1 visa holders are eligible to apply for support. If you are a graduate student\, please send a brief letter of recommendation from a faculty member to explain the relevance of the conference to your studies or research. If you are a postdoc\, please include a copy of your CV. \n\n 
URL:https://cmsa.fas.harvard.edu/event/mathematics-in-science/
LOCATION:Harvard Science Center\, 1 Oxford Street\, Cambridge\, MA\, 02138
CATEGORIES:Conference,Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cmsa.fas.harvard.edu/media/MathScience2023Poster_8.5x11.png
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