Workshop on Heavy-tailed phenomena in random discrete geometries

Scientific Background

The evolution of many real-world interacting systems is driven by rare events with disruptive impact. One may think of super-spreading at the onset of a pandemic, or the concentration of wealth, political influence, and attention in the modern economy.

From a probabilistic perspective, such behaviour is captured by heavy-tailed distributions, while the underlying interaction is often described by random discrete structures with geometric constraints. Understanding how heavy tails arise, how they interact with (random) environments, and how they shape macroscopic behaviour of the system leads to mathematically rich phenomena and is practically relevant.

Heavy-tailed effects may originate from:

• Structural heterogeneity of the environment (as in spatially inhomogeneous contact patterns)

• Reinforcement mechanisms that create or amplify inhomogeneities during the system's evolution (as in preferential attachment)

• A combination of both

Framework & Format

The workshop will bring together established researchers and early-career scientists working on heavy-tailed phenomena in spatial and random-media settings. The aim is to exchange ideas, discuss recent advances, and initiate collaborations, while providing a strong platform for younger researchers to build networks within the community.

• Location: Mathematisches Institut der Universität Köln, Weyertal 86-90

• Presentations:  Talks by invitation only. Each talk includes additional time for discussion.

• Registration: Please fill out the registration form below. 

Junior participants: You may also indicate if you require financial support (subject to availability, with no guarantee).

Program Overview

Wednesday, Feb 17

Morning Session: Talks (with coffee break)

Lunch: 2 hours

Afternoon Session: Talks (with coffee break)

Evening: Welcome Reception

Thursday, Feb 18

Morning Session: Talks (with coffee break)

Lunch: 2 hours

Afternoon Session: Talks (with coffee break)

Evening: Conference Dinner

Friday, Feb 19

Morning Session: Talks (with coffee break)

Lunch: Noon