Academic Area
Mathematics & Theory
The formal foundations of intelligence, learning, and complexity.
Thinking About Thinking Inc. supports interdisciplinary inquiry into mathematics, information theory, and the theoretical foundations that underlie intelligent systems.
This focus area brings together researchers and practitioners working across applied mathematics, statistics, information theory, optimization, theoretical computer science, signal processing, and related fields. We are interested in the formal structures that shape how systems learn, represent information, generalize, and fail.
Our emphasis is on clarity, abstraction, and limits, understanding not just how systems work, but what is in principle possible, what is provably impossible, and where current theories break down.
Core Questions We Explore
How does embodiment change the nature of intelligence and learning?
How should perception, control, and decision-making be integrated in autonomous systems?
What role do physical constraints play in shaping behaviour and adaptation?
How do robots learn from interaction with dynamic, uncertain environments?
What makes human–robot interaction safe, intuitive, and trustworthy?
Where do current robotic systems fall short of biological intelligence, and why?
Recordings
Events
Neuroscience and cognitive science are core threads across our flagship events.
At neuromonster, these questions are explored in depth through long-form talks and working groups focused on the neuroscience and mathematics of intelligence.
At AE Global Summit, cognitive and neural perspectives inform broader discussions about intelligence, computation, and society.
ThAT Ambassador Programme
The Thinking About Thinking Ambassador Programme is an open, application-based pathway for students and early-career researchers who want to take part in serious, interdisciplinary conversations about intelligence.
Ambassadors support Thinking About Thinking’s conferences, workshops, and community initiatives, helping to extend thoughtful dialogue across universities, disciplines, and countries. The programme is designed for people who care deeply about ideas, collaboration, and building intellectual communities.
Outstanding Ambassadors who demonstrate sustained contribution, leadership, and intellectual engagement may be invited into the Thinking About Thinking Fellowship, a private, invitation-only programme for long-term contributors.
Ambassadors
Year 2025
Ambassadors
Support the future of intelligence research and understanding