Andrea E. V. Ferrari
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High-energy physicist working across Physics (Quantum Fields and Strings), Mathematics (Algebraic Geometry and Category Theory) and Machine Learning. |
Short Physics/Maths Academic Bio
I studied at the University of Zurich/ETHZ (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), and completed a PhD/DPhil at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Oxford. My MSc advisor was Niklas Beisert, my DPhil supervisor Lionel Mason. I have been affiliated with the Perimeter Institute, Durham University, and most recently the University of Edinburgh and DESY, Hamburg. I am currently on a long-term visit to the University of Cambridge.
My Physics/Maths papers can be found on InSpire, and when it comes to ML conferences, on OpenReview. Several of my talks can be found online. See below for a quick summary of my interests, and links to sample talks and slide decks.
Physics and Maths Research
Broadly speaking, I have been pioneering the following research directions:
- The description of observables of 3d SUSY gauge theories in terms of the geometry of vortex and quasi-map moduli spaces. Sample talk at PI and sample slide deck.
- The understanding of 2d chiral CFTs (VOAs) that arise at the boundary of tolopogically twisted 3d QFTs in terms of the vacuum geometry of the 3d theory. Sample talk at the Simons Center and sample slide deck.
- The understanding of generalised symmetries in QFT in terms of higher representation theory, opening up the study of their representations. Sample talk at Oxford and sample slide deck.
- The understanding of the relation between moduli spaces of Berry connections of QFTs/periodic monopoles and generalised cohomology. Sample talk at ICTP and sample slide deck.
I am currently working on the following topics:
- A rigorous chiralisation of hypertoric varieties.
- The exploitation of chiralisation techniques to geometrically construct spaces of conformal blocks of chiral algebras
- The exploitation of chiralisation techniques to understand AdS/CFT holography at minimal string tension.
- An investigation of the deep relation between Berry phases/monopole moduli and generalised cohomology.
- The exploitation of higher geometry to understand generalised symmetries and their representations.
If you are intersted in any of them, feel free to reach out!
Physics and ML Research
One basic task in Machine Learning (training Boltzmann machines) can physically be translated into learning parameters in a Hamiltonian of a statistical model, such that given empirical data can be reasonably reproduced. Some algorithmic solutions essentially led to the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. In fundamental Physics, one would like to be agnostic about further features such as the structure of the space the system is defined on, or the actual observables that are producing certain correlation functions. Can one learn these too?
This question is fundamental if one wants to discover dualities in an autamated way, for instance. I am currently pioneering such approaches. See this ICML25 paper for some first results.
Whenever not detrimental to my research (such as during the Covid19 pandemic), I have been a promoter of interactions between academia and the industry. Here is a quick summary of what I’ve done so far.
Mathematics and Industry
Over the years, I have used maths and ML competences to do work on and advise on risk management, megaproject management, and construction. Contact me if you'd like to hear more.
My first intellectual interests were in Philosophy, and I also have a strong academic background in the discipline. It remains one of my hobbies.
Philosophy Background and Interests
I have been passionate about Philosophy, both continental and analytic. I did some Philosophy in my undergrad and completed with distinction an MSt in Philosophy of Physics at the University of Oxford. I wrote essays on epistemology, philosophy of science, and philosophy of physics. I enjoy thinking about how the foundations of mathematics and geometry impact the construction of physical theories. It's hard. If you are at all curious about this, feel free to contact me.
I am passionate about music, hiking (especially around the tiny Swiss alpine town my family has been inhabiting for more than six centuries, as well as around high-altitude volcanos ), writing, and a few other things.
Others
I am trying to build a generative model that composes fugues. If you are interested in contributing, contact me.