Applied Mathematics Postgraduate (AMP) Conference

The Oxford and Warwick SIAM Student Chapters are excited to announce the second annual Applied Mathematics Postgraduate (AMP) Conference, to be held on 30th June - 2nd July 2025 in the Mathematical Institute.

The event will consist of:

QSHS: An Axion Dark Matter Resonant Search Apparatus
 Alsulami, A Bailey, I Carosi, G Chapman, G Chakraborty, B Daw, E Du, N Durham, S Esmenda, J Gallop, J Gamble, T Godfrey, T Gregori, G Halliday, J Hao, L Hardy, E Laird, E Leek, P March-Russell, J Meeson, P Mostyn, C Pashkin, Y Peatain, S Perry, M Piscitelli, M Reig, M Romans, E Sarkar, S Smith, P Sokolov, A Song, N Sundararajan, A Tan, B West, S Withington, S (16 Apr 2025)
Tue, 03 Jun 2025
15:30
L4

Bordism categories and orientations of moduli spaces

Dominic Joyce
(Oxford)
Abstract
In many situations in Differential or Algebraic Geometry, one forms moduli spaces $\cal M$ of geometric objects, such that $\cal M$ is a manifold, or something close to a manifold (a derived manifold, Kuranishi space, …). Then we can ask whether $\cal M$ is orientable, and if so, whether there is a natural choice of orientation.
  This is important in the definition of enumerative invariants: we arrange that the moduli space $\cal M$ is a compact oriented manifold (or derived manifold), so it has a fundamental class in homology, and the invariants are the integrals of natural cohomology classes over this fundamental class.
  For example, if $X$ is a compact oriented Riemannian 4-manifold, we can form moduli spaces $\cal M$ of instanton connections on some principal $G$-bundle $P$ over $X$, and the Donaldson invariants of $X$ are integrals over $\cal M$.
  In the paper arXiv:2503.20456, Markus Upmeier and I develop a theory of "bordism categories”, which are a new tool for studying orientability and canonical orientations of moduli spaces. It uses a lot of Algebraic Topology, and computation of bordism groups of classifying spaces. We apply it to study orientability and canonical orientations of moduli spaces of $G_2$ instantons and associative 3-folds on $G_2$ manifolds, and of Spin(7) instantons and Cayley 4-folds on Spin(7) manifolds, and of coherent sheaves on Calabi-Yau 4-folds. These have applications to enumerative invariants, in particular, to Donaldson-Thomas type invariants of Calabi-Yau 4-folds.
   All this is joint work with Markus Upmeier.
Nonequilibrium physics of brain dynamics
 Nartallo-Kaluarachchi, R Kringelbach, M Deco, G Lambiotte, R Goriely, A (16 Apr 2025)
Reply: Understanding and misunderstanding cell counts of the human brain: the crux of biological variation.
 Goriely, A Brain : a journal of neurology awaf137 (15 Apr 2025)
Thu, 01 May 2025
13:30

The geometry of Feynman integrals

Rodrigo Pitombo
Abstract
Feynman integrals are the essential building blocks of observables in perturbative Quantum Field Theories. As precision experiments in high-energy physics are becoming more common, understanding the structure of higher loop integrals has become very important from a phenomenology point of view. On the mathematical physics side, such investigations have led to profound connections to geometry. In particular, there is a correspondence between Feynman integrals and algebraic varieties and knowing what geometry a given Feynman integral corresponds to offers invaluable lessons in solving it. In this talk, I will start with a pedagogical review of modern methods to solve higher loop integrals. Then, with a simple example, I will show how one can infer the geometry associated with an integral and discuss some of the implications of this connection.


Junior Strings is a seminar series where DPhil students present topics of common interest that do not necessarily overlap with their own research area. This is primarily aimed at PhD students and post-docs but everyone is welcome.

Tue, 27 May 2025
15:30
L4

Cored perverse sheaves

Vidit Nanda
(Oxford)
Abstract

I will describe some recent efforts to recreate the miraculous properties of perverse sheaves on complex analytic spaces in the setting of real stratified spaces.

Anisotropy in Pantheon+ supernovae
 Sarkar, S European Physical Journal C volume 85 issue 5 (30 May 2025)
Fri, 16 May 2025

14:00 - 15:00
L1

Prelims Preparation

Abstract

This session is aimed at first-year undergraduates preparing for Prelims exams. A panel of lecturers will share key advice on exam technique and revision strategies, and a current student will offer practical tips from their own experience. This event complements the Friday@2 session in Week 1 on Dealing with Exam Anxiety.

Fri, 09 May 2025

14:00 - 15:00
L1

Finals Forum

Abstract

This week’s Fridays@2 session is intended to provide advice on exam preparation and how to approach the Part A, B, and C exams.  A panel consisting of past examiners and current students will answer any questions you might have as you approach exam season.

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