Jules Hedges

Jules Hedges is a mathematics and computer science researcher affiliated with the Institute for Categorical Cybernetics and the Mathematically Structured Programming group at the University of Strathclyde. As of September 2024, he is working 90% for the CyberCat Institute and 10% for the University of Strathclyde, focusing on applying category theory across various interdisciplinary domains.

Hedges completed his PhD at Queen Mary University of London in 2016 with a thesis titled "Towards compositional game theory," which established foundational work for his ongoing research program. His academic journey spans from early work on game theory to current developments in categorical cybernetics.

His primary research involves applying category theory in economics, machine learning, and control theory, with a view towards what was historically called cybernetics. Hedges is particularly known for developing compositional game theory, which provides a categorical framework for understanding strategic interactions through concepts like "open games" and "selection functions." His other research interests include graphical calculi for visual representation of categorical structures, functional programming paradigms, proof theory, and the semantics of natural language. He has made significant contributions to understanding how complex systems can be built from simpler components while preserving mathematical properties.

Hedges' publication record reveals a consistent trajectory toward developing compositional frameworks for complex systems, with recent work increasingly focused on categorical cybernetics—the application of category theory to systems with feedback loops and goal-directed behavior. His research often bridges abstract mathematical concepts with practical applications in economics and artificial intelligence, particularly in reinforcement learning where he has demonstrated connections between value iteration algorithms and categorical optic composition.

Hedges is a signatory of the "No Free View? No Review!" pledge, indicating his strong commitment to open access publishing. He has publicly stated he will not peer review for closed access or hybrid venues, reflecting his principled stance on making academic research freely available.

While specific details about his advising activities are not documented in the provided text, his extensive publication record with numerous co-authors suggests active research collaboration and likely mentorship of junior researchers. His work spans multiple institutions and involves collaborators across mathematics, computer science, and economics.

Hedges is a founding member of the Institute for Categorical Cybernetics, formally incorporated in October 2023, which represents the primary focus of his current work (90% of his professional time as of September 2024). This institute serves as a hub for researchers working at the intersection of category theory, cybernetics, and their applications to complex adaptive systems, potentially supporting collaborative projects, workshops, and publications in this emerging field.