Mon, 02 Feb 2026

15:30 - 16:30
L3

Mean field games without rational expectations

Benjamin Moll
(LSE)
Abstract
Mean Field Game (MFG) models implicitly assume “rational expectations”, meaning that the heterogeneous agents being modeled correctly know all relevant transition probabilities for the complex system they inhabit. When there is common noise, it becomes necessary to solve the “Master equation” (a.k.a. “Monster equation”), a Hamilton-JacobiBellman equation in which the infinite-dimensional density of agents is a state variable. The rational expectations assumption and the implication that agents solve Master equations is unrealistic in many applications. We show how to instead formulate MFGs with non-rational expectations. Departing from rational expectations is particularly relevant in “MFGs with a low-dimensional coupling”, i.e. MFGs in which agents’ running reward function depends on the density only through low-dimensional functionals of this density. This happens, for example, in most macroeconomics MFGs in which these lowdimensional functionals have the interpretation of “equilibrium prices.” In MFGs with a low-dimensional coupling, departing from rational expectations allows for completely sidestepping the Master equation and for instead solving much simpler finite-dimensional HJB equations. We introduce an adaptive learning model as a particular example of nonrational expectations and discuss its properties.

Prelims Corner is back for Michaelmas 2025! 

We will be running Prelims Corner from 11am-12pm on Mondays outside L1 from Weeks 2-8. This is the perfect opportunity to receive support from an experienced DPhil student about particularly tricky maths problems, or just to meet and work with other Prelims students. Registration isn't required, so feel free to drop in and out as you need. Free snacks are provided! 

Fri, 28 Nov 2025
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Fusion Systems

Tom Lawrence
Fri, 31 Oct 2025
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Quantum Group Representations and Binary Matrix Lattices

Ittihad Hasib
Abstract

Quantum Groups are defined as $q$-deformations of the Universal Enveloping Algebra of a Lie Algebra. The study of Quantum Groups have deep connections with many areas in Mathematics and Physics. In this talk, I will focus on Crystal Bases of Quantum Group Representations. Crystal Bases are bases of a representation with properties that let us 'take $q$ to $0$' which gives a combinatorial bare-bone model of the representation. I will go through an example of a crystal base of Braided Exterior Powers of a Quantum Group Representation and relate the combinatorics to that of Binary Matrix Lattices.

Fri, 24 Oct 2025
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12
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