Predicting the Unpredictable: Introduction to Monte Carlo Simulation

Monte Carlo methods use repeated random sampling for solving a wide array of complex problems and have become indispensable tools across diverse scientific and engineering disciplines. This talk will delve into the wide-ranging applications of Monte Carlo techniques, ranging from statistical mechanics to finance, biological and social sciences and machine learning. The talk will begin with a brief introduction to the core concepts underlying Monte Carlo methods. Key techniques such as importance sampling and Markov Chain Monte Carlo will be discussed before highlighting diverse contemporary applications.