Extreme value statistics and some applications in statistical physics

Abstract: These notes are based on lectures delivered by G. Schehr at the XVIth School on Fundamental Problems in Statistical Physics (FPSP), held in Oropa (Italy) from 30 June to 11 July 2025. After a brief introduction to extreme value statistics (EVS) for independent and identically distributed (IID) random variables, we discuss several paradigmatic examples of strongly correlated systems where classical extreme value theory no longer applies. In particular, we focus on time series generated by random walks and Brownian motion, as well as on eigenvalue statistics in random matrix theory. Emphasis is placed on applications of EVS to fundamental problems in statistical physics and disordered systems, including the Random Energy Model, stochastic search problems, as well as fluctuating interfaces, and directed polymers in random media within the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang universality class.