MATRIX Research Program: New deformations of quantum field and gravity theories

Matrix Research Program: New deformations of quantum field and gravity
Dates: 22 January — 2 February 2024
Venue: MATRIX, Creswick
Website: https://www.matrix-inst.org.au/events/new-deformations-of-quantum-field-and-gravity-theories/

The deep connections between mathematics, quantum field theory, and string theory (the latter being a leading candidate for a consistent framework to quantise gravity) have been for several decades a driving force of ground-breaking scientific discoveries in pure mathematics, mathematical physics, and theoretical physics. This program aims to bring together leading International and Australian experts in string theory and related topics with the goal of exchanging ideas, results, strengthening existing collaborations and launching new ones. The research focus is, broadly speaking, on deformations of quantum field and gravity theories that are related to string theory and mathematics. The program is developed around three key topics that are currently in the focus of international research:

1. Marginal deformations in string theory and sigma-models;
2. Higher-derivative deformations in string theory and supergravity;
3. TTbar-like deformations of quantum field theories

There are rich interconnections amongst these topics, promising fruitful interactions and new discoveries. Recently, these have driven important developments, e.g., in the classifications of Calabi–Yau manifolds, non-planar/exact AdS/CFT and AdS supersymmetric black hole physics, generalised complex geometry and its extensions, 2D conformal or integrable field theories and their TTbar deformations, and many more. On the mathematical side, richness derives from the close connection of these topics with integrable systems, algebraic, differential and enumerative geometry, graded Lie algebras, representation theory and category theory.

This MATRIX Research Program is partially supported by AMSI and AustMS through the AMSI-AustMS Workshop Funding program, and benefits from the SMRI International Visitor Program.  

Organisers:

• Christian Ferko (University of California Davis)
• Johanna Knapp (University of Melbourne)
• Jock McOrist (University of New England)
• Fiona Seibold (Imperial College London)
• Alessandro Sfondrini (Padova University)
• Gabriele Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli (University of Queensland)

• Arrival date: 21 January 2024
• Departure date: 2 February 2024

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ASSOCIATED EVENTS
MATRIX Wine and Cheese Afternoon 23 January 2024
On the first Tuesday of each program, MATRIX provides a pre-dinner wine and cheese afternoon. Produce is locally-sourced to showcase delicacies from the region.