Friday October 27th, 12:00h. Room 55.309 (Tànger Building)

 

Speaker: Gemma De les Coves 

 

Title: Universality in physics, computer science and beyond

 

Abstract: Certain spin models are universal, meaning that they contain all other models when seen in the appropriate light [GDLC & T. Cubitt, Science 351, 1180 (2016)]. What is the relation between universal spin models, universal Turing machines and notions of universality in neural networks? And what is their relation to forms of unreachability such as uncomputability or undecidability? In this talk, I will explore these questions in light of our recent framework for universality (arxiv:2307.06851) and share some philosophical perspectives on these structures.  

 

Bio: Gemma De les Coves is an Associate Professor in Theoretical Physics at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. With her research group, she works on understanding the reach of notions of universality and their limitations across disciplines, as well as mathematical physics topics at the intersection of quantum information theory and noncommutative algebra.