Mathematics, the Core of Artificial Intelligence

The interplay between mathematics, artificial intelligence and machine learning is the focus of a workshop jointly organized by Bocconi's Department of Decision Sciences and the research group on AI of UMI (Unione Matematica Italiana), which is taking place at Bocconi on 17-19 January. This is the follow-up to a previous workshop on the same subject held in Turin at the end of 2022.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest challenges in modern science, involving a broad spectrum of disciplines. By its nature, AI is a multidisciplinary research field in which mathematics is heavily involved; mathematics addresses the many kinds of problems that arise in AI with models, methods and applications, thus responding to theoretical, numerical and practical needs. In this context, many researchers in Italy have developed an interest in AI and machine learning, with important and internationally recognized results.

The workshop has attracted a large number of participants and is placing great emphasis on young researchers. The keynote speakers will be Fosca Giannotti (Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa), Marc Mézard (Bocconi), Tomaso Poggio (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Alfio Quarteroni (Politecnico di Milano). The event is being held at Bocconi as a recognized center of research on machine learning and applied mathematics at the highest level.

The main purpose of the UMI group on "Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning" is to become a key hub of relevant initiatives by acting along three lines: research, teaching and dissemination. Of particular interest is the dissemination of AI issues and the role of mathematics within them to a wider public, also considering the implications that arise from applying AI to everyday life.