Events
Past Event
Probability Seminar | Eren Kizildag (UIUC)
Department of Mathematics: Probability Seminar
4:00 PM
//
104, Lunt Hall
Details
Title: Statistical-Computational Tradeoffs in Random Optimization Problems
Abstract: Optimization problems with random objective functions are central in computer science, probability, and modern data science. Despite their ubiquity, finding efficient algorithms for solving these problems remains a major challenge. Interestingly, many random optimization problems share a common feature, dubbed as a statistical-computational gap: while the optimal value can be pinpointed non-constructively (through, e.g., probabilistic/information-theoretic tools), all known polynomial-time algorithms find strictly sub-optimal solutions. That is, an optimal solution can only be found through brute force search which is computationally expensive.
In this talk, I will discuss an emerging theoretical framework for understanding the fundamental computational limits of random optimization problems, based on the Overlap Gap Property (OGP). This is an intricate geometrical property that achieves sharp algorithmic lower bounds against the best known polynomial-time algorithms for a wide range of random optimization problems. I will focus on two models to demonstrate the power of the OGP framework: (a) the symmetric binary perceptron, a random constraint satisfaction problem and a simple neural network classifying/storing random patterns, widely studied in computer science, probability, and statistics communities, and (b) the random number partitioning problem as well as its planted counterpart, a classical worst-case NP-hard problem whose average-case variant is closely related to the design of randomized controlled trials. In addition to yielding sharp algorithmic lower bounds, our techniques also give rise to new toolkits for the study of statistical-computational tradeoffs in other models, including the online setting.
Time
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
104, Lunt Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Department of Mathematics: Probability Seminar
NCA Workshop: AI, Résumés and You
NCA - PhDEvents
10:00 AM
//
TGS Commons, 2122 Sheridan Road
Details
In this session, we’ll discuss the difference between academic CVs and resumes and best practices for writing compelling non-academic application documents. We’ll also explore how to leverage AI tools to analyze job descriptions to write more effective and targeted application materials. Open to PhD students and postdocs from all disciplines.
For more information, please login to Handshake.
Time
Monday, July 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Location
TGS Commons, 2122 Sheridan Road Map
Contact
Calendar
NCA - PhDEvents
Mathematical Modeling, Computational Methods, and Biological Fluid Dynamics: Research and Training
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
9:00 AM
//
Suite 3500
Details
Over billions of years, single-celled and simple multicellular organisms have evolved motility mechanisms particularly suited for locomotion in their fluid environment. In the past century, considerable progress has been made in understanding biological processes and fluid dynamics at various scales. In particular, locomotion strategies, from single cells to multicellular large animals in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids have motivated the development of new modeling frameworks and numerical methods while also leading to new bio-inspired designs for different applications. Specifically, advances in mathematical models and methods relating to fluid-structure interactions, including the method of regularized Stokeslets (MRS) and the immersed boundary (IB) method, are being highly leveraged to answer biological questions about animal interactions with their surrounding fluid.
This workshop will delve into the development and analysis of mathematical models, numerical methods, computational simulations, theoretical fluid dynamics, and the integration of biological experimental data into modeling, simulations, and data analysis. It will focus on recent and ongoing advancements in fluid-structure interactions, the development of computational libraries, and the incorporation of experimental data to improve biological predictions. Presentations and discussions will also address education, training, and topics related to encouraging participation in the mathematical sciences. A unique feature of the workshop is the inclusion of research findings in mathematical modeling within K–16 education. A special highlight of the event will be a tribute to Dr. Ricardo Cortez of Tulane University, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to research, including the development of the Method of Regularized Stokeslets, as well as his outstanding service to the mathematics community.
The workshop will emphasize interdisciplinary research, demonstrating the critical role of mathematics and fluid dynamics in understanding biological phenomena. This will be showcased through invited talks, panel discussions, and poster presentations. Tutorials on the MRS and IB methods will provide hands-on demonstrations of how these tools and their variations can be applied to contemporary scientific challenges. Additionally, the workshop will encourage collaboration in research and training, with a particular focus on ensuring that everyone can thrive in the mathematical sciences. The workshop is also designed to promote the training and mentorship of students and early-career researchers. It will uniquely integrate research in mathematical modeling with education and facilitate discussions on promoting participation within the field.
Time
Monday, July 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Suite 3500
Contact
Calendar
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
Mathematical Modeling, Computational Methods, and Biological Fluid Dynamics: Research and Training
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
9:00 AM
//
Suite 3500
Details
Over billions of years, single-celled and simple multicellular organisms have evolved motility mechanisms particularly suited for locomotion in their fluid environment. In the past century, considerable progress has been made in understanding biological processes and fluid dynamics at various scales. In particular, locomotion strategies, from single cells to multicellular large animals in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids have motivated the development of new modeling frameworks and numerical methods while also leading to new bio-inspired designs for different applications. Specifically, advances in mathematical models and methods relating to fluid-structure interactions, including the method of regularized Stokeslets (MRS) and the immersed boundary (IB) method, are being highly leveraged to answer biological questions about animal interactions with their surrounding fluid.
This workshop will delve into the development and analysis of mathematical models, numerical methods, computational simulations, theoretical fluid dynamics, and the integration of biological experimental data into modeling, simulations, and data analysis. It will focus on recent and ongoing advancements in fluid-structure interactions, the development of computational libraries, and the incorporation of experimental data to improve biological predictions. Presentations and discussions will also address education, training, and topics related to encouraging participation in the mathematical sciences. A unique feature of the workshop is the inclusion of research findings in mathematical modeling within K–16 education. A special highlight of the event will be a tribute to Dr. Ricardo Cortez of Tulane University, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to research, including the development of the Method of Regularized Stokeslets, as well as his outstanding service to the mathematics community.
The workshop will emphasize interdisciplinary research, demonstrating the critical role of mathematics and fluid dynamics in understanding biological phenomena. This will be showcased through invited talks, panel discussions, and poster presentations. Tutorials on the MRS and IB methods will provide hands-on demonstrations of how these tools and their variations can be applied to contemporary scientific challenges. Additionally, the workshop will encourage collaboration in research and training, with a particular focus on ensuring that everyone can thrive in the mathematical sciences. The workshop is also designed to promote the training and mentorship of students and early-career researchers. It will uniquely integrate research in mathematical modeling with education and facilitate discussions on promoting participation within the field.
Time
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Suite 3500
Contact
Calendar
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
Mathematical Modeling, Computational Methods, and Biological Fluid Dynamics: Research and Training
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
9:00 AM
//
Suite 3500
Details
Over billions of years, single-celled and simple multicellular organisms have evolved motility mechanisms particularly suited for locomotion in their fluid environment. In the past century, considerable progress has been made in understanding biological processes and fluid dynamics at various scales. In particular, locomotion strategies, from single cells to multicellular large animals in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids have motivated the development of new modeling frameworks and numerical methods while also leading to new bio-inspired designs for different applications. Specifically, advances in mathematical models and methods relating to fluid-structure interactions, including the method of regularized Stokeslets (MRS) and the immersed boundary (IB) method, are being highly leveraged to answer biological questions about animal interactions with their surrounding fluid.
This workshop will delve into the development and analysis of mathematical models, numerical methods, computational simulations, theoretical fluid dynamics, and the integration of biological experimental data into modeling, simulations, and data analysis. It will focus on recent and ongoing advancements in fluid-structure interactions, the development of computational libraries, and the incorporation of experimental data to improve biological predictions. Presentations and discussions will also address education, training, and topics related to encouraging participation in the mathematical sciences. A unique feature of the workshop is the inclusion of research findings in mathematical modeling within K–16 education. A special highlight of the event will be a tribute to Dr. Ricardo Cortez of Tulane University, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to research, including the development of the Method of Regularized Stokeslets, as well as his outstanding service to the mathematics community.
The workshop will emphasize interdisciplinary research, demonstrating the critical role of mathematics and fluid dynamics in understanding biological phenomena. This will be showcased through invited talks, panel discussions, and poster presentations. Tutorials on the MRS and IB methods will provide hands-on demonstrations of how these tools and their variations can be applied to contemporary scientific challenges. Additionally, the workshop will encourage collaboration in research and training, with a particular focus on ensuring that everyone can thrive in the mathematical sciences. The workshop is also designed to promote the training and mentorship of students and early-career researchers. It will uniquely integrate research in mathematical modeling with education and facilitate discussions on promoting participation within the field.
Time
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Suite 3500
Contact
Calendar
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
Discover, Discuss, Collaborate: An Informatics and Data Science Collaborative Event
I.AIM - Institute for Augmented Intelligence in Medicine
2:30 PM
//
Potocsnak FamilyAtrium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center
Details
You’re invited to join the newly formed NUCATS and I.AIM Informatics and Data Science Collaborative for an afternoon of discovery, discussion, and collaboration. Hear brief opening remarks that highlight exciting informatics and data science work at Northwestern, participate in interactive conversations, and check out posters from colleagues across campus. Snacks will be provided.
Poster session
Register your poster to be included in the poster session! Early-career researchers and students, as well as experienced investigators, are encouraged to showcase their posters at the event. Previously published posters are welcome.
The deadline to register an abstract is July 21.
Time
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Potocsnak FamilyAtrium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center Map
Contact
Calendar
I.AIM - Institute for Augmented Intelligence in Medicine
Mathematical Modeling, Computational Methods, and Biological Fluid Dynamics: Research and Training
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
9:00 AM
//
Suite 3500
Details
Over billions of years, single-celled and simple multicellular organisms have evolved motility mechanisms particularly suited for locomotion in their fluid environment. In the past century, considerable progress has been made in understanding biological processes and fluid dynamics at various scales. In particular, locomotion strategies, from single cells to multicellular large animals in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids have motivated the development of new modeling frameworks and numerical methods while also leading to new bio-inspired designs for different applications. Specifically, advances in mathematical models and methods relating to fluid-structure interactions, including the method of regularized Stokeslets (MRS) and the immersed boundary (IB) method, are being highly leveraged to answer biological questions about animal interactions with their surrounding fluid.
This workshop will delve into the development and analysis of mathematical models, numerical methods, computational simulations, theoretical fluid dynamics, and the integration of biological experimental data into modeling, simulations, and data analysis. It will focus on recent and ongoing advancements in fluid-structure interactions, the development of computational libraries, and the incorporation of experimental data to improve biological predictions. Presentations and discussions will also address education, training, and topics related to encouraging participation in the mathematical sciences. A unique feature of the workshop is the inclusion of research findings in mathematical modeling within K–16 education. A special highlight of the event will be a tribute to Dr. Ricardo Cortez of Tulane University, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to research, including the development of the Method of Regularized Stokeslets, as well as his outstanding service to the mathematics community.
The workshop will emphasize interdisciplinary research, demonstrating the critical role of mathematics and fluid dynamics in understanding biological phenomena. This will be showcased through invited talks, panel discussions, and poster presentations. Tutorials on the MRS and IB methods will provide hands-on demonstrations of how these tools and their variations can be applied to contemporary scientific challenges. Additionally, the workshop will encourage collaboration in research and training, with a particular focus on ensuring that everyone can thrive in the mathematical sciences. The workshop is also designed to promote the training and mentorship of students and early-career researchers. It will uniquely integrate research in mathematical modeling with education and facilitate discussions on promoting participation within the field.
Time
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Suite 3500
Contact
Calendar
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
Mathematical Modeling, Computational Methods, and Biological Fluid Dynamics: Research and Training
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
9:00 AM
//
Suite 3500
Details
Over billions of years, single-celled and simple multicellular organisms have evolved motility mechanisms particularly suited for locomotion in their fluid environment. In the past century, considerable progress has been made in understanding biological processes and fluid dynamics at various scales. In particular, locomotion strategies, from single cells to multicellular large animals in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids have motivated the development of new modeling frameworks and numerical methods while also leading to new bio-inspired designs for different applications. Specifically, advances in mathematical models and methods relating to fluid-structure interactions, including the method of regularized Stokeslets (MRS) and the immersed boundary (IB) method, are being highly leveraged to answer biological questions about animal interactions with their surrounding fluid.
This workshop will delve into the development and analysis of mathematical models, numerical methods, computational simulations, theoretical fluid dynamics, and the integration of biological experimental data into modeling, simulations, and data analysis. It will focus on recent and ongoing advancements in fluid-structure interactions, the development of computational libraries, and the incorporation of experimental data to improve biological predictions. Presentations and discussions will also address education, training, and topics related to encouraging participation in the mathematical sciences. A unique feature of the workshop is the inclusion of research findings in mathematical modeling within K–16 education. A special highlight of the event will be a tribute to Dr. Ricardo Cortez of Tulane University, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to research, including the development of the Method of Regularized Stokeslets, as well as his outstanding service to the mathematics community.
The workshop will emphasize interdisciplinary research, demonstrating the critical role of mathematics and fluid dynamics in understanding biological phenomena. This will be showcased through invited talks, panel discussions, and poster presentations. Tutorials on the MRS and IB methods will provide hands-on demonstrations of how these tools and their variations can be applied to contemporary scientific challenges. Additionally, the workshop will encourage collaboration in research and training, with a particular focus on ensuring that everyone can thrive in the mathematical sciences. The workshop is also designed to promote the training and mentorship of students and early-career researchers. It will uniquely integrate research in mathematical modeling with education and facilitate discussions on promoting participation within the field.
Time
Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Suite 3500
Contact
Calendar
NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology
Open SkAI 2025
SkAI Institute
All Day
Details
The Open SkAI 2025 conference is the U.S. National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation-funded SkAI Institute's inaugural conference. The main aim of the conference is to enhance and generate new Astro-AI research directions. Conference themes will include: Astro-AI research across survey astronomy, from stars and transients to galaxy formation, evolution, and the dark sector. We encourage researchers from all levels to apply to attend.
Time
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Contact
Calendar
SkAI Institute
AI for Researchers: Topic Modeling to Categorize Text Documents (In-person)
Northwestern IT Research Computing and Data Services
9:30 AM
//
Big Ten Room, Norris University Center
Details
Do you need to identify a set of themes from within a large collection of text documents? If so, topic modeling can help. For example, topic modeling can be used to identify recurring themes in news articles, discover research trends in scientific publications, or analyze public sentiment across social media posts. In this workshop, you will get a high-level overview of different existing techniques used for topic modeling which focuses on modern AI-driven approaches. You will also have ample time to work through step-by-step hands-on exercises to learn how to leverage AI-based topic modeling analysis techniques using real data through Python.
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Python.
Time
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location
Big Ten Room, Norris University Center Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern IT Research Computing and Data Services
Open SkAI 2025
SkAI Institute
All Day
Details
The Open SkAI 2025 conference is the U.S. National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation-funded SkAI Institute's inaugural conference. The main aim of the conference is to enhance and generate new Astro-AI research directions. Conference themes will include: Astro-AI research across survey astronomy, from stars and transients to galaxy formation, evolution, and the dark sector. We encourage researchers from all levels to apply to attend.
Time
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Contact
Calendar
SkAI Institute