Graph algebras: Bridges between graph C*-algebras and Leavitt path algebras (13w5049)

The Banff International Research Station will host the "Graph algebras: Bridges between graph C*-algebras and Leavitt path algebras" workshop from April 21st to April 26th, 2013.

One of the most basic of structures studied by mathematicians is known in mathematical parlance as a ``directed graph". A directed graph is really nothing more than a collection of locations (the ``vertices" of the graph), and arrows (the ``edges" of the graph) which point from one vertex to another. Directed graphs arise naturally in communications systems, physics, computer science, and a host of other fields. Directed graphs have been used as the foundation upon which numerous additional mathematical structures have been constructed. Two of these structures, the ``graph C*-algebras" studied in the subject of Analysis and the ``Leavitt path algebras" studied in the subject of Algebra, have an interesting, intertwined history and have been the focus of numerous mathematicians around the world. It turns out that there are many striking similarities between these two types of algebras. However, the underlying reason for why there should be such similarities remains a mystery. Mathematicians from both the Analysis and Algebra worlds will meet at BIRS in order to try to unravel this mystery, with the ultimate goal of finding a Rosetta Stone that will allow for the translation of results from each class of algebras to the other. This event is organized by Professors Mark Tomforde of University of Houston, Gene Abrams of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, George Elliott of University of Toronto, Jason Bell of Simon Fraser University, Marcelo Laca of University of Victoria, and So ren Eilers of University of Copenhagen.

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 supported by Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology, and Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).