The Ising model: highlights and perspectives

Abstract

We give a short non-technical introduction to the Ising model, and review some successes as well as challenges which have emerged from its study in probability and mathematical physics. This includes the infinite-volume theory of phase transitions, and ideas like scaling, renormalization group, universality, SLE, and random symmetry breaking in disordered systems and networks. This note is based on a talk given on 15 August 2024, as part of the Ising lecture during the 11th Bernoulli-IMS world congress, Bochum.