Frontiers in Fundamental Mathematics Research Nexus, 13 Aug

Date/Time: Wednesday 13 August 2025; 4:00 pm
Speaker: Professor Lior Bary-Soroker (Tel Aviv University)
Title: Probabilistic Aspects of Galois Theory
Location: Room 4082/3, Anita B. Lawrence Centre, UNSW

Join us for this special Nexus lecture by Professor Lior Bary-Soroker (Tel Aviv University).

About the lecture

Probabilistic Galois theory explores the arithmetic properties of random polynomials with integer coefficients, focusing on questions such as irreducibility and the structure of their Galois groups. Several natural models of randomness have been studied: the large box model, where the degree is fixed and the coefficients are chosen uniformly from a box of growing size; the large degree model, where the coefficients are independent and identically distributed (e.g., taking values  0  or  1  with equal probabilities) as the degree grows; and models inspired by discrete random matrix theory.

In recent years, there have been significant breakthroughs in understanding the behaviour of polynomials under each of these models. This talk will provide an overview of these developments, highlighting the exciting interplay between probability, algebra, and number theory. We assume no prior knowledge in Galois theory.

About the speaker

Lior Bary-Soroker was appointed as a full professor in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Tel Aviv University, where he currently serves as Head of School. He held postdoctoral positions at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Duisburg-Essen, and has held visiting positions at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn, Concordia University, and the University of Montreal, where he was also a Simons-CRM Scholar-in-Residence.

Lior Bary-Soroker’s main research interests lie in number theory and Galois theory, with a particular focus on probabilistic Galois theory, random polynomials, Hilbert’s irreducibility theorem, and the structure of absolute Galois groups. He also works on analogues of classical conjectures in number theory in the context of function fields.

He has been active in mentoring young mathematicians and organising international workshops and conferences in number theory and related areas.

Schedule

4–5pm: Presentation by Prof. Lior Bary-Soroker in Room 4082/3 of the Anita B. Lawrence Centre, UNSW
5–7pm: Networking reception with light refreshments and finger food in Room 3082, Anita B. Lawrence Centre, UNSW

Venue

Room 4082/3 on level 4 of the Anita B. Lawrence Centre building. Enter the building via the Centre Wing or East Wing entrances of the School of Mathematics and Statistics (ref: H15 on UNSW campus map).

*Please note that the School of Mathematics and Statistics is not accessible via the West Wing of the building.

Accessibility

Please be advised that the Anita B. Lawrence Centre rooms 3082 and 4082 are wheelchair accessible. When you register, please indicate if you have any accessibility requirements and we will get in touch with you to ensure they can be accommodated.

Enquiries

Please contact Jan Lin if you have any enquiries about this event (j.lin@unsw.edu.au).