Thursday 22 January 2026, 5.00-6.00 pm Andrew Wiles Building. Please email @email to register to attend in person.
15:30
Quasihomomorphisms to real algebraic groups
Abstract
A quasihomomorphism is a map that satisfies the homomorphism relation up to bounded error. Fujiwara and Kapovich proved a rigidity result for quasihomomorphisms taking values in discrete groups, showing that all quasihomomorphisms can be built from homomorphisms and sections of bounded central extensions. We study quasihomomorphisms with values in real linear algebraic groups, and prove an analogous rigidity theorem. Based on joint work with Sami Douba, Francesco Fournier Facio, and Simon Machado.
15:30
Full enveloping vertex algebra from factorisation
Abstract
Vertex operator algebras provide a succinct mathematical description of the chiral sector of two-dimensional conformal field theories. Various extensions of the framework of vertex operator algebras have been proposed in the literature which are capable of describing full two-dimensional conformal field theories, including both chiral and anti-chiral sectors. I will explain how the notion of a full vertex operator algebra can be elegantly described using the modern language of factorisation algebras developed by Costello and Gwilliam. This talk will be mainly based on [arXiv:2501.08412].
