Hosted by the Department of Physics, Lund University · Division symposium page
How do memory, strong correlations and global constraints shape the statistical laws of complex systems?
Researchers across statistical physics, particle physics, quantum information and data-rich sciences will examine the foundations, mechanisms and evidence for generalized entropies. The aim is to connect ideas across disciplines, assess their physical scope and identify decisive tests.
The Nobel Symposia tradition
Established in 1965, NOBEL SYMPOSIA bring leading Swedish and international researchers together for scientific exchange at a high level. These compact, invitation-only meetings examine advances in rapidly developing fields, clarify open questions and identify future research priorities, with an emphasis on in-depth discussion and clear scientific outcomes.
A shared foundation for complex systems
Boltzmann–Gibbs statistical mechanics provides a powerful reference for understanding collective behaviour. Systems with persistent memory, slow mixing, long-range interactions or restricted access to microscopic states raise further questions: which entropy is appropriate, how does it arise from the dynamics, and what can observations establish?
Six plenary sessions, 29 planned talks and six hours reserved for scientific discussion create a common programme. Each session includes two dedicated 30-minute discussions; rapporteurs bring the main conclusions and open questions to Friday’s synthesis.
S1 · Foundations
Admissible generalized entropies and thermodynamic consistency.
S2 · Dynamics
Weak chaos, memory and anomalous transport.
S3 · Physical tests
Many-body systems, turbulence and granular matter.
S4 · Particle physics
Nonextensivity, self-similarity and high-energy collisions.
S5 · Quantum theory & gravity
Quantum information, black holes and cosmology.
S6 · Data-rich systems
AI and complex systems beyond traditional physics.
The week at a glance
| Day | Programme | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 24 May | Arrival, opening reception, coach transfer and welcome dinner | Lund → Bäckaskog |
| Tuesday 25 May | Scientific opening; S1 Foundations; S2 Dynamics | Bäckaskog |
| Wednesday 26 May | S3 Physical tests; S4 Particle physics; early-career forum | Bäckaskog |
| Thursday 27 May | S5 Quantum theory and gravity; S6 Data-rich systems; banquet | Bäckaskog |
| Friday 28 May | Rapporteur summaries, Round Table and Symposium Statement; return to Lund; public lecture | Bäckaskog → Lund |
Taking part
Participation in the scientific symposium, including early-career participation, is by invitation. The week brings researchers together from the opening reception in Lund on Monday 24 May to the scientific closing at Bäckaskog at noon on Friday 28 May. A dedicated early-career forum provides time for short presentations and scientific exchange.
Registration details will be sent directly to invited participants. The private Indico form will collect attendance, accommodation and transport requests for coordination with Reachem, the symposium’s conference agency. See Venue and travel for practical arrangements.
The Friday public lecture, What is Entropy? by Constantino Tsallis, is a separate event for a wider audience.
Scientific contact: Roman Pasechnik · Constantino Tsallis.
Nobel Symposium 215
Host: Department of Physics
Nobel Symposium 215: Beyond Boltzmann: Complexity, Memory, and Non-Additive Entropies was funded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and organised by the Department of Physics, Lund University.
The NOBEL SYMPOSIA mark is owned by the Nobel Foundation.