Liverpool Discrete Mathematics Colloquium

About

This is the third edition of the Liverpool Discrete Mathematics Colloquium, an annual two-day event designed to strengthen links between Computer Science and Mathematics and to expose PhD students to current research topics.

The 2026 meeting has a focused format around mathematically rigorous analysis of black-box AI algorithms. The first day is devoted to Logics and Graph Neural Networks, while the second day focuses on Stochastic Gradient Descent. Each day will feature a 2.5 hour tutorial together with invited talks and time for discussion and networking.

We expect around 50 attendees. This year's edition follows the successful 2024 and 2025 meetings, and aims to bring together researchers from discrete mathematics, logic, probability, machine learning, AI, and theoretical computer science.

Venue

TBC

Catering

Tea and coffee breaks will be provided on both days. Lunch arrangements and dinner details will be confirmed later.

Funding for Students

We are planning support for junior researchers, including travel and subsistence assistance. More information about student support and eligibility will be added once funding is finalised.

Registration

Attendance at the Liverpool Discrete Mathematics Colloquium is expected to be free of charge. Registration will be required for planning purposes, and the form and deadline will be added here once available.

Registration link coming soon

Tutorial Speakers

Michael Benedikt and Tony Tan
Logical characterisations of Graph Neural Networks

Steffen Dereich
Convergence of Stochastic Gradient Descent

Speakers

Carsten Lutz
Leipzig

Emily Jin
Oxford

Benjamin Dupuis
ENS Paris

Alex Mijatović
Warwick

Sarah Sachs
Bristol

TBC
Further invited speaker

Schedule

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

Logics and Graph Neural Networks

Tuesday 8 September 2026

09:30 - 10:15 Registration / Coffee

10:15 - 10:30 Welcome Address

10:30 - 12:30 Tutorial: Michael Benedikt and Tony Tan - Logical characterisations of Graph Neural Networks

12:30 - 14:00 Lunch

14:00 - 14:45 Talk 1: TBC - Title to be announced

14:45 - 15:30 Talk 2: Carsten Lutz - Title to be announced

15:30 - 16:00 Coffee Break

16:00 - 16:45 Talk 3: Emily Jin - Title to be announced

16:45 - 17:30 Discussion / networking session

19:00 Dinner / social event

Stochastic Gradient Descent

Wednesday 9 September 2026

09:00 - 09:30 Coffee

09:30 - 12:00 Tutorial: Steffen Dereich - Convergence of Stochastic Gradient Descent

12:00 - 12:15 Short break

12:15 - 13:00 Talk 1: Benjamin Dupuis - Title to be announced

13:00 - 14:15 Lunch

14:15 - 15:00 Talk 2: Alex Mijatović - Title to be announced

15:00 - 15:45 Talk 3: Sarah Sachs - Title to be announced

15:45 - 16:15 Coffee break

16:15 - 17:00 Open discussion / networking

17:00 - 17:30 Closing remarks

Talk Abstracts

Organisers

John Sylvester

Linglong Yuan

Viktor Zamaraev

Supported by

This event is supported by the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, Applied Probability Trust, EPSRC, and the University of Liverpool.