Hi, I'm

Joan Pascual Ribes

Final-year student of a double degree in Mathematics and Engineering Physics at UPC (CFIS programme). I have research experience in applied algebraic geometry and algebraic statistics. I've just completed the Iliad Intensive on the mathematical foundations of AI alignment and am now moving into singular learning theory.

Interests

Mathematics of machine learning: Especially singular learning theory and how structure forms during training, and mathematical approaches to AI safety.
Probability and game theory: Probability, statistics and game theory.
Applied mathematics: Optimisation, differential equations, numerical analysis and their applications in physics, engineering and economics.

Education

2023 – 2028

BSc Mathematics + BSc Engineering Physics

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona

Double degree taken within CFIS, UPC's selective programme for high-performing students. Expected graduation: January 2028.

GPA 9.25 / 10. Honours (Matrícula d'Honor) in 14 courses across both degrees.
Full tuition and residence scholarship for the whole double degree, granted by CFIS.
University entrance exam (PAU): 13.832 / 14.

Courses with honours

Mathematics: One Variable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Integral Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Multilinear Algebra and Projective Geometry.

Engineering Physics: Physics I, Physics II, Biophysics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Quantum Physics, Solid State, Electromagnetic Waves, Instrumentation.

Sep – Oct 2026

Iliad Intensive — Foundational AI Alignment

Iliad, London, UK

Four-week, full-time course on mathematical approaches to AI safety: singular learning theory, deep learning theory, agent foundations, interpretability. Selective admission, assessed on mathematical strength.

Research experience

Aug – Sep 2026

Research Intern

Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences (MPI MiS) · Dresden

Algebraic statistics applied to game theory, supervised by Dr. Irem Portakal.

Jun – Aug 2025

Research Intern

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) · Dresden

Applied algebraic geometry in Dr. Aida Maraj's group: Lie-theoretic methods to characterise properties of ideals and varieties.

Jul 2024

Barcelona Introduction to Mathematical Research (BIMR)

Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM)

One-month research programme run jointly by UAB, UB and UPC. Algebra: representation of polynomials as sums of squares.

Teaching

Sep 2025 – Jan 2026

Teaching Assistant, Computer Science

BSc Mathematics, UPC

Supported lectures and lab sessions and assisted students throughout the course (C++ and Python).

Projects

Computational physics

Simulation of superfluid helium-II

Team project. Spectral-method simulations reproducing the behaviour of the He-II superfluid, following a study of the underlying quantum phenomenon.

Repository on GitHub →

Olympiads and distinctions

Theoretical physics — PlanckS. 1st place (team) in the national phase in Spain; selected to represent Spain at the international PlanckS competition (2026), where the team placed 14th out of roughly 60 teams.
Mathematics. Winner of the Cangur Olympiad (Valencia), 2023.
Catalan language. Winner of two consecutive regional contests (2022 and 2023).
Literature. Awarded in several literature contests.

Skills

Programming and tools: Python (NumPy, SciPy — numerical simulation, data analysis), C++, SageMath, Macaulay2, LaTeX, Git, Linux, Claude Code.
Languages: Spanish — native

Catalan / Valencian — native, C2 certificate

English — C1, Trinity College London

German — basic, currently studying B1

French — basic, A2 certificate

Beyond academia

Volunteering. I teach mathematics at Cáritas — academic support for students from under-resourced backgrounds, to help bridge the educational gap.
Music. I studied saxophone and piano at conservatory, and I've played in a traditional band.
Writing. I write poetry and philosophical essays.

Contact

The best way to reach me is by email.