Algorithmic Randomness and Quantum Mechanics

The term “randomness” often appears in the context of Quantum Mechanics. The behaviour of quantum systems is said to be random, the outcomes of quantum mechanical experiments are said to be random, certain devices based on quantum processes are said to operate in a random way… However, the concept of randomness is rarely made precise in these contexts. Meanwhile, in another branch of science – computability theory, also called recursion theory – a fully precise concept of randomness has been developed, termed “algorithmic randomness”. How are these two uses of the term “randomness” related? Is the concept of algorithmic randomness relevant to Quantum Mechanics? The aim of this workshop is to address various facets of this question in an interdisciplinary gathering. The event will take place at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków on August 31st and September 1st, 2026. The format of the workshop will be hybrid: it is possible to participate either in person or online (but the organizers strongly encourage in-person participation).

Our keynote speakers are:

• Jeffrey Barrett (UC Irvine)
• Eddy Keming Chen (UCSD)
• Nino Dekkers (Technical University Eindhoven)
• Carl Hoefer (University of Barcelona)
• Klaas Landsman (Radboud University)
• Karl Svozil (TU Wien)

In addition to talks by our invited speakers, we plan a few contributed talks. We invite submissions concerning any aspect of the relationship between algorithmic randomness and Quantum Mechanics, including (but not limited to) the following questions and topics:

• Does Quantum Mechanics involve algorithmic randomness?
• Does the answer to this question depend on the choice of interpretation of Quantum Mechanics? In particular, can deterministic interpretations of Quantum Mechanics be reconciled with quantum events/measurement outcomes being random?
• Does discussion of the relationship between algorithmic randomness and Quantum Mechanics shed light on other issues in the philosophy of science, such as laws of nature, interpretations of probability etc.?
• Algorithmic randomness in quantum experiments and technology, including random number generators
• Algorithmic randomness vs. other senses of randomness in physics
• Generalisations of the standard concept of algorithmic randomness and their relevance for physics

Abstracts of about 500 words should be send to [email protected] by 28.06.2026.

To participate without giving a talk (either in person or online), please register by sending an e-mail to [email protected].