Mon, 03 Nov 2014

12:00 - 13:00
L5

Surface Defects and Dualities in Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

Heng- Yu Chen
(National Taiwan University and Cambridge)
Abstract
I will begin by introducing different surface defects in 4d N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories, and discuss how the 4d supersymmetry breaking effect can descend into the 2d world volume theories of the surface defects.
I will then discuss how certain surface defects can naturally appear as saddle point solutions in 4d N=1 and N=2 superconformal indices, also confirm this with explicit 2d elliptic genus calculations. I will wrap up the talk by discussing their roles in different field theoretic dualities.
Mon, 27 Oct 2014

12:00 - 13:00
L5

Global string models with chiral matter and moduli stabilisation

Sven Krippendorf
(Oxford)
Abstract

I will discuss the implementation of explicit stabilisation of all closed string moduli in fluxed type IIB Calabi-Yau compactifications with chiral matter.  Using toric geometry we construct Calabi-Yau manifolds with del Pezzo singularities. D-branes located at such singularities can support the Standard Model gauge group and matter content. We consider Calabi-Yau manifolds with a discrete symmetry that reduces the effective number of complex structure moduli, which allows us to calculate the corresponding periods and find explicit flux vacua. We compute the values of the flux superpotential and the string coupling at these vacua. Starting from these explicit complex structure solutions, we obtain AdS and dS minima where the Kaehler moduli are stabilised by a mixture of D-terms, non-perturbative and perturbative alpha'-corrections as in the LARGE Volume Scenario.

Mon, 20 Oct 2014

12:00 - 13:00
L5

Calabi-Yau Fourfolds, F-theory and Fluxes

Andreas Braun
(Oxford)
Abstract

I will discuss several recent developments regarding the construction of fluxes for F-theory on Calabi-Yau fourfolds. Of particular importance to the effective physics is the structure of the middle (co)homology groups, on which new results are presented. Fluxes dynamically drive the fourfold to Noether-Lefschetz loci in moduli space. While the structure of such loci is generally unknown for Calabi-Yau fourfolds, this problem can be answered in terms of arithmetic for K3 x K3 and a classification is possible.

Formal Synthesis and Validation of Inhomogeneous Thermostatically Controlled Loads
 Esmaeil Zadeh Soudjani, S Gerwinn, S Ellen, C Fränzle, M Abate, A Lecture Notes in Computer Science volume 8657 57-73 (2014)
Finite Abstractions of Stochastic Max-Plus-Linear Systems
 Adzkiya, D Esmaeil Zadeh Soudjani, S Abate, A Lecture Notes in Computer Science volume 8657 74-89 (2014)
On the Optimal Solutions of the Infinite-Horizon Linear Sensor Scheduling Problem
 Zhao, L Zhang, W Hu, J Abate, A Tomlin, C IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control volume 59 issue 10 2825-2830 (18 Sep 2014)
Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:00 -
Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:00
North Mezz Circulation

Family Drop-In Art Workshops

Abstract

Struggling for ideas at the weekends? Learn how to draw with colour and discover the creation of colour from our natural environment. Have a go at making your own natural paint colours. Create your own mini planet inspired by alchemy and the Radcliffe Observatory. Paint making demonstrations throughout the day with artist Nabil Al. All materials provided. Suitable for all ages from 6 to 60. Invite your friends.

 

Wed, 29 Oct 2014
17:00
L2

Big Data's Big Deal

Viktor Mayer-Schonberger
Abstract
 
Big Data promises to change all sectors of our economy, and deeply affect our society. But beyond the current hype, what are Big Data's salient qualities, and do they warrant the high hopes? How will Big Data shape businesses, especially the financial services industry? What do we need to harness Big Data? And where are Big Data's limits? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this talk
 
This lecture celebrates the opening of the Oxford-Nie Financial Big Data Laboratory made possible through the generous support of Financial Data Technologies Ltd. The lecture will be preceded by a brief opening ceremony presided over by Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford and followed by a drinks reception.
 

Viktor Mayer-Schönberger is Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the University of Oxford's Internet Institute. He is also a faculty affiliate of Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Together with Kenneth Cukier he is the co-author of the international bestseller Big Data.

 

 

 

 

Fri, 14 Nov 2014
14:00
L1

Pandora's Promise

Abstract
The atomic bomb and meltdowns like Fukushima have made nuclear power synonymous with global disaster. But what if we’ve got nuclear power wrong? An audience favourite at the Sundance Film Festival, 'Pandora's Promise' asks whether the one technology we fear most could save our planet from a climate catastrophe, while providing the energy needed to lift billions of people in the developing world out of poverty. Director Robert Stone and acclaimed climate change writer Mark Lynas will attend and take questions after the screening.
 
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