Colloquia
The Colloquia are followed by a reception designed to give people the opportunity to have more informal contact with the speaker. A book display will be available at this time in the common room. The series is funded, in part, through the generous support of Oxford University Press.
The colloquia are aimed towards a general mathematical audience.
Please note that the list below only shows forthcoming events, which may not include regular events that have not yet been entered for the forthcoming term. Please see the past events page for a list of all seminar series that the department has on offer.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026
16:00
16:00
L1
Where do you draw the (dividing) line?
Julia Wolf
(Cambridge)
Abstract
A longstanding classification programme in model theory aims to determine when a mathematical structure exhibits tame, structurally simple—as opposed to wild, intractable—behaviour. A key role is played by so-called dividing lines, i.e. properties of logical formulas (or theories) that separate these regimes. In this talk, we demonstrate how the lens of combinatorics has allowed us to gain new insight into higher-order dividing lines, drawing on examples in graphs and groups. We also explain how this perspective has led to advances in higher-order Fourier analysis and statistical learning.
This talk intends to be accessible to beginning graduate students in all areas of mathematics.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026
16:00
16:00
L1
We are all different: Modeling key individual differences in physiological systems
Anita Layton
Abstract
Mathematical models of whole-body dynamics have advanced our understanding of human integrative systems that regulate physiological processes such as metabolism, temperature, and blood pressure. For most of these whole-body models, baseline parameters describe a 35-year-old young adult man who weighs 70 kg. As such, even among adults those models may not accurately represent half of the population (women), the older population, and those who weigh significantly more than 70 kg. Indeed, sex, age, and weight are known modulators of physiological function. To more accurately simulate a person who does not look like that “baseline person,” or to explain the mechanisms that yield the observed sex or age differences, these factors should be incorporated into mathematical models of physiological systems. Another key modulator is the time of day, because most physiological processes are regulated by the circadian clocks. Thus, ideally, mathematical models of integrative physiological systems should be specific to either a man or woman, of a certain age and weight, and a given time of day. A major goal of our research program is to build models specific to different subpopulations, and conduct model simulations to unravel the functional impacts of individual differences.