Activation-Space Uncertainty Quantification for Pretrained Networks
Bergna, R Depeweg, S Calvo-Ordoñez, S Plenk, J Cartea, A Hernández-Lobato, J (23 Feb 2026)
Fri, 27 Mar 2026
16:00
L4

On indefinite ternary quadratic forms

Peter Sarnak
(IAS Princeton)
Abstract

We describe the solution to two problems concerning indefinite integral ternary quadratic forms. The first about anisotropic forms was popularized by Margulis following his solution of the Oppenheim Conjecture. The second about the density of isotropic forms was raised by Serre. Joint work with A. Gamburd, A. Ghosh and J. Whang.

Tue, 05 May 2026
16:00
L5

On the Reflexivity of Non-selfadjoint Operator Algebras

Eleftherios Kastis
(University of Lancaster)
Abstract
Given an operator algebra $A$, we denote by $\operatorname{Lat} A$ its invariant subspace lattice. The algebra $A$ is called \emph{reflexive} if it coincides with the algebra of all operators leaving $\operatorname{Lat} A$ invariant. By von Neumann’s double commutant theorem, reflexive algebras may be viewed as a non-selfadjoint analogue of von Neumann algebras. Nest algebras, defined as those admitting a totally ordered invariant subspace lattice, were the first and remain the most studied example. Beyond totally ordered lattices, however, the structure of reflexive algebras becomes significantly subtler. 
In this talk, we focus on certain $w^{*}$-closed operator algebras on $L^{2}(\mathbb{R})$ generated by semigroups of translation, multiplication, and dilation operators. We discuss reflexivity results in this setting, consider structural features arising from the lack of projections or finite-rank generators, and, time permitting, comment on related questions for the associated norm-closed algebras.
Tue, 16 Jun 2026
16:00
L5

A gentle introduction to fusion ≤2 categories

Peter Huston
(Leeds University)
Abstract

This talk by Peter Huston gives an overview of the motivation for and classification of fusion 1-categories and 2-categories. In particular, we will review how fusion 1-categories naturally arise in operator algebras from the subfactor classification programme, which furnishes exotic examples of fusion category, such as the Haagerup subfactor, which are inaccessible by other approaches. Fusion 2-categories are a categorification of fusion 1-category, arising naturally from the study of TQFT in 4D, or as quantum symmetries of fusion 1-categories. We will outline the classification of fusion 2-categories. In particular, we will see that, while fusion 1-categories are wild in the sense that they cannot be constructed from lower dimensional data like finite groups, fusion 2-categories are comparatively tame, expressible in terms of braided fusion 1-categories and extension theory.

Joint moments of characteristic polynomials from the orthogonal and unitary symplectic groups
Assiotis, T Gunes, M Keating, J Wei, F Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society volume 132 issue 3 (19 Mar 2026)
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
16:00
L4

One-sided Problems in Fourier Analysis

Bartosz Malman
(Mälardalen University)
Abstract

In the context of Fourier analysis on the real line, a \textit{one-sided problem} involves deducing properties of a function $f$ from some information about the restriction of its Fourier transform $\widehat{f}$ to a half-line, for instance to $\mathbb{R}_- := (-\infty, 0)$. A prototypical result, which is foundational to the theory of Hardy spaces on $\mathbb{R}$, asserts that if $f \in L^2(\mathbb{R})$ is non-zero and $\widehat{f}$ vanishes on a half-line, then $f$ satisfies the \textit{Szeg\H{o} condition} $\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\log |f(x)|}{1+x^2} \, dx > -\infty$. 

Various problems in operator theory involve the study of functions $f$ satisfying a weaker condition of decay of $\widehat{f}$ on a half-line. In this setting, simple examples show that the Szeg\H{o} condition need not be satisfied. However, the following local Szeg\H{o}-type conditions hold: if the decay of $\widehat{f}$ is strong enough on a half-line, then the mass of the function $f \in L^2(\mathbb{R})$ must concentrate enough for the integral $\int_E \log |f(x)| dx$ to converge on a "massive" set $E$. 

In his talk, Bartosz Malman will describe this mass condensation phenomenon and its applications to operator-theoretic problems.

Tue, 09 Jun 2026
16:00
L5

Hilbert transforms on graph products of finite von Neumann algebras

Xiaoqi Lu
(Glasgow)
Abstract

The boundedness of Fourier multipliers on non-commutative $L_p$-spaces ($1 < p < \infty$) is a fundamental problem in non-commutative analysis. Building on the non-commutative Cotlar identity introduced by Mei and Ricard (2017), which yields $L_p$-boundedness ($1 < p < \infty$) of Hilbert transforms on amalgamated free products of finite von Neumann algebras, their approach relies heavily on freeness in the underlying free product structure.

In this talk, Xiaoqi Lu introduces a new strategy that overcomes this limitation. Our approach combines a generalized Cotlar identity, which holds on suitable subspaces and captures non-freeness information, with an additional condition related to the property of Rapid Decay to control the remaining components. From this framework, we establish the $L_p$-boundedness ($1 < p < \infty$) of Rademacher-type Hilbert transforms on graph products of finite von Neumann algebras. This unified framework extends earlier results for free products of finite von Neumann algebras and for graph products of groups acting on right-angled buildings. This is a joint work with Runlian Xia.

Tue, 19 May 2026
16:00
L5

Cartan subalgebras of self-similar graph C*-algebras 

Shanshan Hua
(Münster)
Abstract
Self-similar graph C*-algebras, introduced by Exel and Pardo, generalize graph C*-algebras by encoding self-similar group actions on directed graphs. This class of C*-algebras admits natural groupoid models and is broad, covering Nekrashevych algebras and Katsura algebras (and hence UCT Kirchberg algebras). In joint work (WOA III) with Archey, Duwenig, McCormick, Norton, and Yang, we study Cartan subalgebras in self-similar graph C*-algebras beyond the “locally faithful” setting. 
 
For finite source-free graphs, associated graph C*-algebras have Cartan subalgebras described either via the interior of isotropy of the path groupoid, or combinatorially through the so-called "cycline pairs" encoding the dynamics. We obtain analogous results for a large class of self-similar graph C*-algebras, producing Cartan subalgebras through the understanding of “cycline triples” based on dynamical data.
Wed, 20 May 2026
15:00
L4

Quantitative Orbit Equivalence for $\mathbb{Z}$-odometers

Spyridon Petrakos
(Gothenberg)
Abstract

It is known for a long time, due to a celebrated theorem of Ornstein and Weiss, that (classical/plain) orbit equivalence offers no information about ergodic probability measure preserving actions of amenable groups. On the other hand, conjugacy is too intractable, and effectively hopeless to study in full generality. Quantitative orbit equivalence aims to bridge this gap by adding intermediate layers of rigidity— a strategy that has borne fruit already in the late 1960s but was used as a general framework only semi-recently. In this talk, Spyridon Petrakos will introduce aspects of quantitative orbit equivalence and present a complete picture of it for integer odometers. This is joint work with Petr Naryshkin.

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