Hoheisel's theorem states that there is some $\delta> 0$ and some $x_0>0$ such that for all $x > x_0$ the interval $[x,x+x^{1-\delta}]$ contains prime numbers. Classically this is proved using the Riemann zeta function and results about its zeros such as the zero-free region and zero density estimates. In this talk I will describe a new elementary proof of Hoheisel's theorem. This is joint work with Kaisa Matomäki (Turku) and Joni Teräväinen (Cambridge). Instead of the zeta function, our approach is based on sieve methods and ideas coming from additive combinatorics, in particular, the transference principle. The method also gives an L-function free proof of Linnik's theorem on the least prime in arithmetic progressions.

In algebraic geometry, the technique of dévissage reduces many questions to the case of curves. In difference and differential algebra, this is not the case, but the obstructions can be closely analysed. In difference algebra, they are difference varieties defined by equations of the form \si(𝑥)=𝑔𝑥\si(x)=gx, determined by an action of an algebraic group and an element g of this group. This is joint work with Zoé Chatzidakis.

I will talk about the connections between the Siu inequality and existence of the model companion for GVFs. The talk will be partially based on a joint work with Antoine Sedillot.