Fri, 17 Oct 2025
13:00
L6

Zero sets from the viewpoint of topological persistence

Vukašin Stojisavljević
(Oxford University)
Abstract

Studying the topology of zero sets of maps is a central topic in many areas of mathematics. Classical homological invariants, such as Betti numbers, are not always suitable for this purpose due to the fact that they do not distinguish between topological features of different sizes. Topological data analysis provides a way to study topology coarsely by ignoring small-scale features. This approach yields generalizations of a number of classical theorems, such as Bézout's theorem and Courant’s nodal domain theorem, to a wider class of maps. We will explain this circle of ideas and discuss potential directions for future research. The talk is partially based on joint works with L. Buhovsky, J. Payette, I. Polterovich, L. Polterovich and E. Shelukhin.

Come along to Mathematrix events throughout the term to connect with other graduate students and postdocs and to discuss issues affecting underrepresented groups in maths. Allies are always encouraged to attend Mathematrix events.

Our first event of term, as always, is our pizza lunch. Come along to hear more about the Mathematrix events in Michaelmas and meet like-minded people in the Mathematical Institute.

Philip Ball - Beyond Weird: One Hundred Years of Quantum Mechanics

A century ago, Werner Heisenberg’s ideas led to quantum mechanics, a theory that precisely describes how atoms behave. Despite its accuracy, scientists still debate what it tells us about reality. Philip Ball will explore how popular stories of particles being in two places at once oversimplify the even stranger truths.

Friday 7 November, 5pm, Oxford Playhouse. Hosted by our own Marcus du Sautoy.

September new starters:

Ellie Chen, Outreach Administrator: S0.21

Chenjing Bu, PDRA in Algebraic Geometry: N3.04

Devarshi Mukherjee, Marie Curie Fellow 2025: N3.21

Lida Kanari, Medical Research Council Fellow: S3.37

Akash Jain, PDRA in Mathematical Physics: S1.52

Thomas Bartschm, PDRA in Mathematical Physics: N1.05

STEMWomen are running a free online event for students and recent graduates to connect with leading employers, explore a wide range of graduate roles and internships across STEM and related disciplines, and network with professionals and peers. 

The event is taking place on Wednesday 5th November 2025. For more details and information on how to sign up, visit the registration page here

GSA

GSA will be visiting the Mathematical Institute on the 20th October and 10th November 2025 for a Systematic Trading presentation and networking event and a Quant Research Workshop respectively. 

Citi have opened applications for their 10-week analyst summer internship programme. The 10-week summer analyst program as part of their Markets team starts in June and begins with a one-week training program in London. You will then complete three rotations with different desks.

For more information, including how to apply, please see their website here

The charity We Solve Problems invites applications from undergraduates and postgraduates in Mathematics and related disciplines (such as Statistics, Theoretical Physics, etc) for tutoring role within the Maths Circles programme, now entering its third year at Keble College.

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