Using Quantum Invariants to do Interesting Topology (Cancelled) (20w5083)

Organizers

(University of British Columbia)

(Boston College)

Andrew Lobb (Durham)

Description

The Casa Matemática Oaxaca (CMO) will host the "Using Quantum Invariants to do Interesting Topology" workshop in Oaxaca, from April 26 to May 01, 2020.


This workshop centres on new advances in topology resulting from quantum invariants, a novel collection of algebraic objects that in currently experiencing a period of intense development. These invariants have their origins in knot theory, that is, the study of knotted loops in three-dimensional space. Beginning with Jones' discovery of a new invariant of knots in the 80s, quantum invariants have grown into a wide-reaching algebraic discipline with ramifications that extend beyond the study of knots and links. Indeed, the most recent developments - pioneered by Khovanov - move these polynomial invariants to homological invariants which have, in recent years, provided new insight in 4-dimensional topology. The workshop will bring together a broad range of experts from around the world working in quantum-homological invariants of knots and links with the aim of tackling new problems in topology with these tools.


The Casa Matemática Oaxaca (CMO) in Mexico, and the Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) in Banff, are collaborative Canada-US-Mexico ventures that provide 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 in Banff 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). The research station in Oaxaca is funded by CONACYT