Simons Foundation Lectures
Mathematics and Computer Science: Randomness
The 2026 lecture series in mathematics and computer science is “Randomness.” Beyond being a source of uncertainty, randomness can also be a powerful tool for discovery. Topics will include random walks and surfaces, randomized algorithms, harmonic and Fourier analysis, and the geometry of complex systems. These lectures will also highlight surprising applications — from shuffling cards to fair voting — and advances in analysis and number theory, illustrating how randomness drives both fundamental insights and practical outcomes.
Past Lectures
Randomized Algorithms and Representative Democracy
Moon Duchin, Ph.D.Professor of Computer Science and Data Science, University of Chicago
Moon Duchin, Ph.D.Professor of Computer Science and Data Science, University of Chicago - Lecture
Random Geometry and Yang-Mills Gauge Theory
Scott Sheffield, Ph.D.Leighton Family Professor of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Scott Sheffield, Ph.D.Leighton Family Professor of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Lecture
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Randomness in Number Theory
Peter Sarnak, Ph.D.Eugene Higgins Professor of Mathematics, Princeton University
Peter Sarnak, Ph.D.Eugene Higgins Professor of Mathematics, Princeton University - Lecture
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Do Mathematicians Need Computers?
Martin Hairer, Ph.D.Professor of Pure Mathematics , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Imperial College London
Martin Hairer, Ph.D.Professor of Pure Mathematics , École Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneImperial College London
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Neural Networks for Mathematical Discovery
Geordie Williamson, Ph.D.Director of the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute and Professor of Mathematics , University of Sydney
Geordie Williamson, Ph.D.Director of the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute and Professor of Mathematics , University of Sydney - Lecture
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Where is Mathematics Going?
Kevin Buzzard, Ph.D.Professor of Pure Mathematics Department of Mathematics - Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London
Kevin Buzzard, Ph.D.Professor of Pure Mathematics Department of Mathematics - Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London - Lecture
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