Geometry everywhere: Fiat lux!

Martin Bridson will give a "repeat" performance of his Abel Lecture which he delivered a few weeks ago in Oslo as part of the scientific programme in honour of Abel Prize laureate Mikhail Gromov.

Abstract:

Gromov has illuminated great swathes of mathematics with the bright light of geometry. By means of example, I hope to convey the sense of wonder that his work engenders and something of the profound influence he has had on the way my generation thinks about mathematics.

I shall focus particularly on Geometric Group Theory. Gromov's ideas turned the study of discrete groups on its head, infusing it with an array of revolutionary ideas and unveiling deep connections to many other branches of mathematics.