**Please note this seminar is in-person only SMRI Seminar: ’A quick introduction to random matrices and extreme gap problems’ Renjie Feng (University of Sydney) Thursday 21st September 1:00-2:00pm (AEST) Carslaw 375 (in-person only) Abstract: Random matrices are studied in various mathematical areas, including statistics, high-energy physics, statistical physics, number theory, (quantum) information theory, numerical analysis, integrable systems, string theory, and more. I will first introduce two types of random matrices and discuss classical results such as the semicircle law and the Tracy-Widom law. Then I will provide several examples in statistical physics and representation theory where the Tracy-Widom law surprisingly emerges. Finally, I will present our recent findings regarding extreme gap problems in classical random matrices and propose several conjectures. ---- Please join us after the seminar for SMRI afternoon tea, 2:00-2:45pm every Thursday on the SMRI Terrace (accessed through A14-04-L4.36) ---- Other upcoming SMRI events can be found here: https://mathematical-research-institute.sydney.edu.au/news-events/ SMRI YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@SydMathInst