Back to the Roots (of Polynomials)

September 22 – 25, 2026
Paderborn University

The study of zeros of polynomials, random and analytic functions has deep historical roots, spreading through analysis, geometry and probability theory. Many fundamental questions remain central today, and recent developments across several fields have brought new perspectives—motivating a return to classical problems; back to the roots.

The topics of the workshop will cover random polynomials, orthogonal polynomials, characteristic polynomials, zeros of (Gaussian) analytic functions, and finite free probability. The goal is to strengthen interaction across communities, to share techniques and tools, and to encourage exchange between young and established international researchers, united by a common object of study.

The program consists of 13 invited talks and a few contributed talks.

If you want to participate, please register here. If you wish to contribute a talk, please register by July 5, 2026.

Speakers

Octavio Arizmendi (CIMAT, Mexico), to be confirmed

Valentina Cammarota (Rome, Italy)

Naomi Feldheim (Bar-Ilan, Israel)

Zakhar Kabluchko (Münster, Germany)

Andrei Martinez-Finkelshtein (Baylor, USA)

Joseph Najnudel (Bristol, UK)

Alon Nishry (Tel Aviv, Israel)

Oanh Nguyen (Brown, USA) 

Sean O’Rourke (Boulder, USA) 

Guillaume Poly (Nantes, France)

Nick Simm (Sussex, UK)

Boris Shapiro (Stockholm, Sweden), to be confirmed

Aron Wennman (Leuven, Belgium) 

As soon as the schedule is finalized, you will find it here. Until then, see Program for slightly more info.

The program also welcomes a few contributed talks. If you wish to contribute a talk, please register by July 5, 2026.