CMI-HIMR Summer School on Random Geometries and Random Matrices

Influential conjectures from quantum chaos state that the spectral properties of chaotic systems are universal and given by random matrix theory. Startling heuristics have been provided by mathematical physics, but many are yet to be realised as a formal proof.

These past few years have seen significant breakthroughs in the study of random regular graphs where random matrix statistics have been obtained, as well as promising developments in the field of random hyperbolic surfaces. 

This school will present the rich history of random matrix theory, communicate some of the key ideas behind these exciting advances, and provide an opportunity for new collaborations.

The school will feature three short courses, each comprising four lectures. In addition there will be several guest lectures and problem sessions.

Short Course Lecturers

Ofir Gorodetsky (Technion - Israel Institute of Technology)

Title: Secular coefficients, random multiplicative functions and moments of the Riemann zeta function

Michael Magee (Durham University)

Title: Random permutation representations of surface groups and random covering spaces

Theo McKenzie (Stanford University)

Title: Universality for Random Graphs: Sharp Spectral Estimates from Random Matrix Theory

Guest Lecturers

Laura Monk (University of Bristol)

Julien Moy  (Paris-Saclay)

Bram Petri (Sorbonne)

Maurizia Rossi (Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca)

Igor Wigman (Kings College London)

Organisers

Laura Monk (University of Bristol)

Emma Bailey (University of Bristol).

Who should apply

This school is aimed at a wide audience of graduate students and early career researchers. 

Please note that all registrations will be considered before applicants are offered a place. 

Additional information

This event will take place in-person at the University of Bristol.

Accommodation, lunch and subsistence will be provided; while participants are expected to fund their own travel, limited funds may be available for those unable to secure travel costs from their home institution.

Registration: Please register your interest by completing the application form. Your c.v. and a short supporting statement with your reason for applying will be required with your application. If you are a PhD student, we also request a letter of support from your PhD supervisor. The letter of support can be emailed to us separately after you have submitted your registration.

Lightning talks: Participants of the summer school are invited to express their interest in giving a lightning talk. When completing your application, please advise if you would like to participate in this session, and if so, provide a tentative title and abstract.

The closing date for registration is 15th February 2026 (23.59pm UK time). Successful applicants will be notified by early March 2026.