Yvan Velenik

Yvan Velenik is a Full Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Science. His academic career focuses on the rigorous mathematical study of statistical mechanics and probability theory, with particular emphasis on lattice systems and phase transitions.

Professor Velenik's research interests center on the applications of Probability Theory to rigorous classical Statistical Mechanics. His primary areas of investigation include lattice random fields (particularly spin systems and effective interface models), and random walks (including self-interacting random walks and polymers). A recurring theme in his work is the derivation of large-scale asymptotics of extended objects such as interfaces and polymers, and the associated phase transitions. He is particularly known for his contributions to understanding Ornstein-Zernike asymptotics, effective interface models, polymer behavior, and phase separation in lattice spin systems.

His research has followed clear thematic trajectories over recent years, with significant contributions to understanding correlation functions in lattice models, interface phenomena at low temperatures, and the mathematical foundations of phase transitions. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on rigorous probabilistic approaches to statistical mechanical systems, with particular attention to Ising and Potts models, random cluster representations, and the mathematical properties of phase transitions.

Professor Velenik has supervised doctoral students including Kamil Khettabi and Yacine Aoun. He teaches advanced courses in probability theory and statistical mechanics at the University of Geneva, including Probability and Statistics for bachelor's students and Selected Chapters of Probability Theory for master's students.

Among his most significant scholarly contributions is the co-authored book Statistical Mechanics of Lattice Systems: A Concrete Mathematical Introduction (Cambridge University Press, 2017), which has received high praise from leading researchers in the field as an accessible yet rigorous introduction to equilibrium statistical mechanics for mathematically inclined readers.

His research group participates in the ANALYSIS, MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS AND PROBABILITY group at the University of Geneva, collaborating with other researchers on fundamental questions in mathematical statistical mechanics.