This time our seminar series for the winter term is concerned with ways of computing that differ from classical computing. We will look into quantum computing and other approaches to physical computing, trying to understand how they differ from classical computing, what is needed to make them work and how long we have to wait until we can use them.
The seminar series will take place online and hybrid.
If you want to join online, all talks will be broadcasted at https://unistuttgart.webex.com/meet/nico.formanek
If you want to join in person at HLRS. Please let me know and email me (nico.formanek@hlrs.de) in advance.
Please not the following list is subject to change, so please check back regularly. I will add abstracts and missing titles as they come in.
(October 25th, 5PM CET, online) Quantum Computing Q&A with Scott Aaronson
Theoretical computer scientist Scott Aaronson will join us for a Q&A session about Quantum computing. If you ever had any pressing question about QC and quantum complexity this is your chance to engage with one of the foremost experts in the world.
Suggested reading: Quantum Computing since Democritus
(October 31st, 4PM CET, online) The argument against quantum computers – Gil Kalai
Mathematician Gil Kalai (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) will join us today to discuss why he remains pessimistic about the possibility of quantum computers.
Suggested reading: The argument against quantum computers
(November 8th, 11AM CET, hybrid) Reliability and Interpretability in Science and Deep Learning – Luigi Scorzato
Physicist Luigi Scorzato (Accenture) will join us today to present his recent paper on Reliability and Interpretability in Science and Deep Learning.
Suggested Reading: Reliability and Interpretability in Science and Deep Learning
(November 29th, 11AM CET, online) Quantum house of cards – Xavier Waintal
Physicist Xavier Waintal (Uni Grenoble) will discuss the theoretical and practical challenges of building scalable quantum computers today.
Suggested reading: Quantum house of cards
(December tba, hybrid) How to interpret quantum supremacy claims – John Symons
Philosopher John Symons (U Kansas) will join us at HLRS and help us understand the meaning of quantum supremacy claims.
Suggested reading: What Have Google’s Random Quantum Circuit Simulation Experiments Demonstrated about Quantum Supremacy?
(January 31st, 5PM CET, online) “Reservoids”: hierarchical computing with bio-mechanical reservoirs – Ben Jantzen
Physicist and Philosopher Ben Jantzen (Vtech) will present his new research project which aims to construct a reservoir computer out of a biological system.
Suggested reading: tba.
(February 6th, 11AM CET, hybrid) Let’s twist again – Computing with magnetic whirls – Karin Everschor-Sitte
Physicist Karin Everschor-Sitte (Uni Duisburg-Essen) will present her recent work on physical computing with magnetic exitations in solid state systems.
Suggested reading: Rechnen mit magnetischen Wirbeln
(February 28th, 5PM CET, online) tba (A general theory for thermodynamics of computing) – Gonzalo Manzano
Gonzalo Manzano (Universitat de les Illes Balears) is going to talk about his work on the thermodynamics of computing, resulting in a characterization of properties that dynamical physical systems must possess to be able to compute.
Suggested reading: Thermodynamics of computations with absolute irreversibility, unidirectional transitions, and stochastic computation times