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
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
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
- Lecture
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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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Wave Localization and the Hidden Structure of Disorder
Svitlana Mayboroda, Ph.D.McKnight Presidential Professor, University of Minnesota
Svitlana Mayboroda, Ph.D.McKnight Presidential Professor, University of Minnesota - Lecture