Mon, 26 Oct 2026

15:30 - 16:30
L3

Quantitative convergence of finite population approximations for mean field control problems

Mehdi Talbi
(University of Paris Cité)
Abstract

We study the approximation of mean field control problems by systems of interacting controlled particles, focusing on quantitative convergence rates for the associated value functions. We first establish non-asymptotic convergence bounds in discrete time, allowing for common noise and interactions through both states and controls. We then extend these results to path-dependent models, where the convergence rates reflect the increasing dimension of the discretized path space. Our approach relies on dynamic programming arguments combined with Wasserstein estimates for empirical measures of independent, not necessarily identically distributed random variables. In continuous time, we combine these estimates with uniform time-discretization bounds to obtain an explicit logarithmic convergence rate for path-dependent McKean–Vlasov control problems. Numerical experiments illustrate our theoretical results and highlight the influence of path dependence on convergence rates.

 
This is a joint work with Mathieu Laurière, NYU Shanghai.
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Recruitment event - Marshall Wace

Marshall Wace is a leading global alternatives investment manager.  On 12th of October, their event will give you an overview of Marshall Wace and what a career in Quant Research and Implementation could look like for you. This event is ideal for those completing a Master's, PhD, or Post-doc in a STEM discipline.

L4 from 5:45 p.m., with a drinks reception from 7:15pm to 8:30pm. Registration

Image: Henry Butler - Harmony (Print)

Song of the Week: Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five - Ain’t Misbehavin’

At the same time as Kurt Gödel was publishing his completeness theorem (1929) and working on incompleteness (see Short 1 above), Louis Armstrong was working tirelessly in Chicago, refining his trumpet playing and his scat style singing and producing some of the most influential records in early jazz. This is a Fats Waller-Andy Razaf song from the Broadway revue, 'Connie’s Hot Chocolates.'

'Like Jack Horner/In the corner/Don't go nowhere'. 

Mon, 12 Oct 2026
15:30
L5

Group rings, cellular complexity, and hyperbolic geometry

Grigori Avramidi
Abstract
I'll discuss lower bounds on cell structures of hyperbolic manifolds in terms of injectivity radius, and also parametrized versions of such results. The main algebraic input into such lower bounds is a freedom theorem for ideals in group rings of hyperbolic groups. 
If time permits, I may also discuss some questions about extensions of such results to higher rank. Joint work with Thomas Delzant. 
 
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Celebrate Women in Tech Week

Women in Tech Week (12-16 October 2026) celebrates the women shaping technology across the University. Whether you work directly in technology, use digital tools as part of your role, or are simply curious about where technology could take you, there’s an opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired.

Demographic changes and behavioural responses shape vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks
 Evans, A Hart, W Jung, E Nah, K Bonic-Babic, K Jung, S Thompson, R PLoS Computational Biology

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Applied Mathematics and Computational Neuroscience

We are currently inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Professor Lida Kanari at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. This is a 1-year, fixed-term position, funded by a research grant from the UKRI, MRC. The starting date of this position is flexible with an earliest start date of 1st January 2027. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are able to start between 1st January 2027 and 1st June 2027.

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