Optimal transport on null hypersurfaces and the null energy condition
Cavalletti, F Manini, D Mondino, A Communications in Mathematical Physics
Visual Prompting Upgrades Neural Network Sparsification: A Data-Model Perspective
Jin, C Huang, T Zhang, Y Pechenizkiy, M Liu, S Chen, T Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence volume 39 issue 4 4111-4119 (11 Apr 2025)
Thu, 22 May 2025

17:00 - 18:00
L3

Axioms of Quantum Mechanics in the light of Continuous Model Theory​

Boris Zilber
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

I am going to start by reviewing axioms of quantum mechanics, which in fact give a description of a Hilbert space. I will argue that the language that Dirac and his followers developed is that of continuous logic and the form of axiomatisation is that of "algebraic logic" in the sense of A. Tarski's cylindric algebras. In fact, Hilbert spaces can be seen as a continuous model theory version of cylindric algebras.

Thu, 22 May 2025

11:00 - 12:00
C5

Modal group theory

Wojciech Wołoszyn
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

I introduce modal group theory, where one investigates the class of all groups using embeddability as a modal operator. By employing HNN extensions, I demonstrate that the modal language of groups is more expressive than the first-order language of groups. Furthermore, I establish that the theory of true arithmetic, viewed as sets of Gödel numbers, is computably isomorphic to the modal theory of finitely presented groups. Finally, I resolve an open question posed by Sören Berger, Alexander Block, and Benedikt Löwe by proving that the propositional modal validities of groups constitute precisely the modal logic S4.2.

We are currently inviting applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) to work with Professor Robin Thompson at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. These are two fixed-term positions for 24 months and 12 months, respectively, funded by a research grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). We anticipate the start date for these positions be in January 2026 but earlier or later start dates can be negotiated. 

Understanding antibody-target antigen interactions and the avidity effect using mathematical modelling
Heirene, L Byrne, H Sepp, A Gaffney, E Yates, J Journal of the Royal Society Interface
Combinatorial proof of a non-renormalization theorem
Balduf, P Gaiotto, D Journal of High Energy Physics volume 2025 issue 5 (14 May 2025)

The Ipcress File movie is 60 years old this year. This spy film's theme tune was written by James Bond composer John Barry and it has a feel which, in comparison to the Bond movies, matches the more gritty style of 'Ipcress'. 

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