Explore linear spaces of symmetric matrices in this 51-minute seminar by Bernd Sturmfels from MPI MiS Leipzig and UC Berkeley. Delve into recent developments in algebraic geometry and their applications in statistics and optimization. Learn about LSSM basics, pencils of conics, reciprocal curves, maximum likelihood, and matrix multiplication techniques. Gain insights into the ubiquitous role of real symmetric matrices across mathematical sciences and discover how exact computation and data science intersect with this field.