Mon, 08 Jun 2026
15:30
15:30
L5
Mon, 01 Jun 2026
15:30
15:30
L5
On Fox’s trapezoidal conjecture
Soheil Azarpendar
((Mathematical Institute University of Oxford))
Abstract
Fox’s trapezoidal conjecture, proposed in 1962, states that the absolute values of the coefficients of the Alexander polynomial of an alternating knot form a trapezoidal sequence: they strictly increase, possibly plateau, and then strictly decrease. In this talk, I will discuss recent progress on the conjecture, based on joint work with András Juhász and Tamás Kálmán. In particular, we prove the conjecture for diagrammatic plumbings of special alternating links and obtain partial results for alternating three-braid closures
Mon, 25 May 2026
15:30
15:30
L5
Constructing the 0- and 1-Dimensional Part of a Segal Chiral CFT from Conformal Nets
Nivedita
((Mathematical Institute University of Oxford))
Abstract
Two-dimensional unitary chiral conformal field theories (CFTs) admit three distinct mathematical formulations: unitary vertex operator algebras (uVOAs), conformal nets, and Segal (functorial) chiral CFTs. With the aim of building fully extended Segal chiral CFTs from the data of a conformal net, we give the assignment to points and 1-dimensional cobordisms. We assign the category of solitonic representations of the net to a point and bimodule categories to intervals, and discuss the functoriality of the assignment under gluing of 0- and 1-dimensional cobordisms.
Optimal experiment design for practical parameter identifiability and model discrimination
Liu, Y
Maini, P
Baker, R
Mathematical Biosciences
The UKRI funded national mentoring scheme for early career researchers in mathematics, statistics and computer science that identify as LGBTQ+ is looking for mentees and mentors.
The scheme will run from May to October, starting with a training session on Wednesday 27th May 2026 to help get started. We expect that the mentoring partnership will run for 6 months with 3 (virtual) meetings suggested.
Pipp & Co Doughnuts - every Thursday from 30 April, only £3 each:
- Cinnamon & Brown Sugar
- Mixed Berry Jam
- Belgian Chocolate
- Madagascan Vanilla Custard
- Sicilian Lemon Curd
Cinco de Mayo – Tuesday 5 May
A special Mexican lunch menu of nachos topped with mixed bean chilli or pulled beef barbacoa with cheese sauce, sour cream and jalapenos, available from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Applications are open this Trinity term for four internship programmes available to undergraduate and postgraduate Oxford students, offering a range of opportunities to suit different interests and circumstances.