Rosy Prospects for Probability

Mar 27 2016

More than 20 leading international and domestic scientists gathered at NYU Shanghai last weekend to discuss recent developments and ways to bridge probability with other disciplines.

The three-day conference discussed current research and future directions in the overlapping areas of probability theory and mathematical statistical physics. It also carved out time to strategize on how best to tap into the field’s exploding popularity and train a growing number of aspiring students in China.

Launched first in 2014, the biennial conference was organized under joint efforts of several renowned mathematicians of NYU Shanghai including Professor Charles Newman, member of the US National Academy of Sciences.  

Discussions reached a climax last Saturday afternoon, when researchers exchanged opinions during a panel discussion on the future of probability theory in China. Optimistic about China’s emerging probability researchers, Shi Zhan, professor of mathematics at University of Paris VI, said with its world-class faculty in mathematics study, NYU Shanghai should strengthen cooperation with other local universities to attract and train aspiring students.  

Currently working at NYU Shanghai as a visiting professor, Shi said one of his major intentions to move to Shanghai was to delve into the field of statistical mechanics, for which NYU Shanghai stands out from other universities particularly.

NYU Shanghai houses a cutting-edge research body on mathematics – the NYU-ECNU Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Working closely with East China Normal University and New York University, the institute focuses on advanced modern mathematics and its applications.