Past Events

February 2026

Thu 26 Feb 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Seminar: Edon Kelmendi (QMUL): Decision Problems for Linear Dynamical Systems
Centre for Complex Systems

This talk is about algorithms for iterations of linear maps. Given a linear map in the form of a matrix M with rational entries, and some point x, what can we say algorithmically about the sequence Mx, M^2 x, M^3 x, … . In particular, is there an...
Thu 19 Feb 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Seminar: Luke Davis (U Edinburgh): Stochastic geometry of active matter
Centre for Complex Systems

For equilibrium hard spheres the stochastic geometry of the insertion space, the room to accommodate another sphere, relates exactly to the equation of state. We begin to extend this idea to active matter, analyzing insertion space for repulsive...
Mon 16 Feb 2026
12:00 - 13:00
Seminar: Raphaël Henry (Aix-Marseille University): Smooth words and their factor complexity
Centre for Complex Systems

Smooth words over an alphabet of integers {a,b} are infinite words that are infinitely derivable, the most famous example being the Oldenburger-Kolakoski word over {1,2}. We study here the factor complexity of these words: we first show bounds for...
Thu 12 Feb 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Seminar: David Mguni (QMUL): Language, Learning, and Limits: Representations at the Frontier of General-Purpose AI
Centre for Complex Systems

Recent advances in large language models have encouraged the view that natural language, mediated through prompting, could act as a universal interface for general-purpose learning. In this talk, I challenge that assumption by analysing the...
Thu 5 Feb 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Seminar: Martina Contisciani (CEU Vienna): Multiscale network modeling of migration flows in Austria
Centre for Complex Systems

Migration plays a crucial role in urbanization, segregation, gentrification, and numerous phenomena related to socioeconomic development. Understanding the diverse drivers of mobility not only provides a deeper comprehension of the underlying social...

January 2026

Thu 29 Jan 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Seminar: Markus Whiteland (Loughborough): Automaticity aspects of combinatorial complexity functions of infinite words
Centre for Complex Systems

Infinite words can be used to encode interesting properties of the orbits of discrete dynamical systems. Analysing the complexity of such a system may then be analysed through this encoding. Combinatorially speaking, quite often its complexity is...
Thu 22 Jan 2026
13:00 - 14:00
Seminar: Eng-Jon Ong (QMUL)
Centre for Complex Systems