Mathematical Foundations of AI:
The Erlangen Hub Conference 2026
Artificial intelligence has achieved remarkable success, yet we still lack a rigorous mathematical understanding of why modern AI systems work, and when they fail. Closing this gap is one of the defining scientific challenges at the intersection of mathematics and computer science. The Mathematical Foundations of AI: Erlangen Hub Conference 2026 will bring together leading researchers in geometry, algebra, topology, probability, dynamical systems, machine learning and related fields for an interdisciplinary exploration of the mathematical principles underlying modern AI. The conference aims to foster new connections across disciplines and advance the mathematical foundations needed to build more reliable, robust, and trustworthy AI systems.
Confirmed speakers
- Erik Bekkers, Associate Professor, University of Amsterdam (AMLab, UvA)
- Michael Bronstein, DeepMind Professor of Artificial Intelligence/Co-director of the Erlangen AI Hub, University of Oxford
- Rebekka Burkholz, Faculty in Machine Learning, CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security
- Kevin Buzzard, Professor of Mathematics, Imperial College London
- Coralia Cartis, Professor of Numerical Optimization, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
- Peter Grindrod, Professor of Mathematics, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
- Heather Harrington, Director of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
- Kathryn Hess, Professor of Mathematics and Life Sciences, EPFL
- Stefanie Jegelka, Visiting Professor at MIT EECS, and a Humboldt Professor at TU Munich
- Roland Kwitt, Full Professor of Machine Learning at University of Salzburg
- Yue Ren, Associate Professor, Durham University
- Suvrit Sra, Career Development Associate Professor of EECS and Professor for Resource Aware Machine Learning at TU Munich
- Marika Taylor, Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Birmingham
For further details of speakers click here.
Ticket prices
- Conference: £120
- Conference + Dinner on 1st September: £190
Tickets include refreshments and lunch across all three days. The optional conference dinner will be held at an Oxford College, Lady Margaret Hall, on the first evening.
The programme includes:
- Plenary talks from leading researchers
- Short talks and industry perspectives
- Poster sessions and lightning talks
- A panel discussion on future directions
Participants are invited to submit a poster showcasing a research project or collaboration (A0 size). You may also opt to present a lightning talk prior to lunch break. Indicate your interest when registering.