Events
Past Event
NICO SUMMER SEMINAR: Ludo Waltman, Leiden University "Science of science, scientometrics, and research policy"
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
3:00 PM
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Lower Level, Chambers Hall
Details
Title:
Science of science, scientometrics, and research policy: The need for quantitative modeling
Speaker:
Ludo Waltman is the Deputy Director at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Leiden University, Professor of Quantitative Science Studies, and the Editor-in-Chief of Quantitative Science Studies.
Talk Abstract:
Science of science and scientometrics offer important tools to inform research policy. At the same time, science of science and scientometrics could have a harmful effect on research policy if empirical data are misinterpreted and incorrect conclusions are drawn. I will argue that such mistakes occur too often and that there is a need for more formal quantitative modeling to prevent such mistakes. I will present a few case studies to illustrate this point. These case studies deal with the use of bibliometric indicators (journal impact factors) in research assessments and with the evaluation of peer review procedures for grant allocation. I will show how mistakes in the interpretation of empirical data can be avoided through formal quantitative modeling of the mechanisms underlying the data.
Speaker Bio:
Ludo Waltman is professor of Quantitative Science Studies and deputy director at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University. Ludo leads the Quantitative Science Studies (QSS) research group at CWTS. The QSS group does research in the fields of bibliometrics and scientometrics, with a special emphasis on applications in research management and science policy. Together with his colleague Nees Jan van Eck, Ludo has developed two software tools for the analysis and visualization of bibliometric networks: VOSviewer and CitNetExplorer. Ludo is coordinator of the CWTS Leiden Ranking, a bibliometric ranking of major universities worldwide. In addition, Ludo serves as Editor-in-Chief of Quantitative Science Studies.
Time
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Lower Level, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
WED@NICO SEMINAR: Mayank Agrawal, Proof of Human "The Invisible Turing Test for the Internet"
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
12:00 PM
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Lower Level, Chambers Hall
Details
Speaker:
Mayank Agrawal, Co-founder and CEO, Proof of Human
Title:
Proof of Human: the Invisible Turing Test for the Internet
Abstract:
This presentation introduces the Process Turing Test, a new framework for distinguishing humans from AI that goes beyond linguistic output to analyze behavioral dynamics. As LLMs routinely pass text-based Turing Tests, we need methods that probe the underlying architecture of intelligence through perception, control, and decision-making patterns. Using process tracing data from canonical cognitive tasks, we demonstrate how behavioral embeddings capture computational signatures unique to human cognition. This provides robust proof-of-personhood that resists adversarial attacks while revealing fundamental principles about how humans and machines process information differently.
Speaker Bio:
Mayank Agrawal is the co-founder and CEO of Proof of Human, a research and deployment company building the proof-of-human layer in digital identity. The company develops high-impact research and translates that work into systems for bot detection, fraud prevention, and continuous authentication. Mayank’s work focuses on new approaches to distinguishing humans from AI through behavioral and cognitive signals. He earned his PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience from Princeton University, where he studied computational models of human decision-making with Jonathan Cohen, Tom Griffiths, and Nathaniel Daw. His research spans cognitive science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with work published in Science, PNAS, and Psychological Review. He previously studied Computer Science and Philosophy at Swarthmore College.
Location:
In person: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster Street, Lower Level
Remote option: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/96392420891
About the Speaker Series:
Wednesdays@NICO is a vibrant weekly seminar series focusing broadly on the topics of complex systems, networks, and artificial intelligence. It brings together attendees ranging from graduate students to senior faculty who span all of the schools across Northwestern, from applied math to sociology to biology and every discipline in-between. Please visit: https://bit.ly/WedatNICO for information on future speakers.
Time
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location
Lower Level, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)