Thu, 22 Jan 2026
12:45
L6

On Continuous Families of Conformal Field Theories

Vito Pellizzani
Further Information

Please submit papers to discuss and topic suggestions here: https://sites.google.com/view/math-phys-oxford/journal-club

Abstract

I will review an elegant, theory-independent argument that proves the existence of exactly marginal operators in the presence of a conformal manifold. The proof relies on a few technical assumptions, which I will discuss in detail. The rest of the discussion will be phrased in terms of conformal interfaces separating two CFTs on the conformal manifold, which we take as an opportunity to discuss the fundamentals of defect CFTs. The overarching topic into which this result fits is that of proving certain (AdS) swampland conjectures from CFT principles.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026

14:00 - 15:00
Online

TBC

Barbara Dembin
(University of Strasbourg)
Further Information

Part of the Oxford Discrete Maths and Probability Seminar, held via Zoom. Please see the seminar website for details.

Short Stories 1

You know those annoying social media films where a mic is shoved in front of a bunch of students and they're asked questions that have nothing to do with their studies or their lives, hoping they say something vaguely funny or interesting that might get a billion views on TikTok?

Short Stories 2

It's tough, isn't? Probably one of the biggest challenges for mathematicians of all ages. Just how do you talk about your subject to friends and family who aren't mathematical? Our crack team of undergraduates ponder.

Short Stories 3

Doncha love AI!! So clever! Does all your work in, like, one nanosecond! It's, like, your bestie!!
 
Doncha hate AI?? Thinks it's so clever! But you can't trust it!

Fridays@2 is back!

The beginning of term also marks the start of a new series of Fridays@2/11 initiatives! 

The first Fridays@2 session is one not to be missed, taking place at 2pm on Friday 23rd January in L1. 

Look out for the posters around the Maths Institute for details on the sessions taking place this term. 

Subscribe to