Reaction-diffusion and Free Boundary Problems (06w5045)

Reaction-diffusion equations model problems arising in almost every branch of engineering, life, and social sciences. In combustion theory, they describe flame propagation with great accuracy, which is crucial in every experimental or industrial device involving a burning process. In theoretical physics, they are a precious tool to analyse superconducting materials. In epidemiology, they can predict how fast an infectious disease is likely to spread. In the social sciences, they describe some features of the spreading of rumours. They also impact other branches of mathematics such as E. de Giorgi's problem on minimal surfaces. This problem is now solved, after more than 20 years of efforts by a large community of mathematicians many of whom will be attending this workshop at BIRS during the week of March 18-23, 2006.

This workshop is organized by Peter Constantin and Lenya Ryzhik (University of Chicago), François Hamel (Université Aix-Marseille III), Robert Jerrard (University of Toronto), and Jean-Michel Roquejoffre (Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III).

The Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) is a collaborative Canada-US-Mexico venture that provides an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station is located at The Banff Centre in Alberta and is administered by the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences, which itself is a collaborative venture between the major universities in Alberta, BC and Washington State.