Tue, 16 Jun 2026
16:00
L5

TBC

Peter Huston
(Leeds University)
Abstract

to follow

Joint moments of characteristic polynomials from the orthogonal and unitary symplectic groups
Assiotis, T Gunes, M Keating, J Wei, F Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society volume 132 issue 3 (19 Mar 2026)
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
16:00
L5

One-sided Problems in Fourier Analysis

Bartosz Malman
(Mälardalen University)
Abstract

In the context of Fourier analysis on the real line, a \textit{one-sided problem} involves deducing properties of a function $f$ from some information about the restriction of its Fourier transform $\widehat{f}$ to a half-line, for instance to $\mathbb{R}_- := (-\infty, 0)$. A prototypical result, which is foundational to the theory of Hardy spaces on $\mathbb{R}$, asserts that if $f \in L^2(\mathbb{R})$ is non-zero and $\widehat{f}$ vanishes on a half-line, then $f$ satisfies the \textit{Szeg\H{o} condition} $\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\log |f(x)|}{1+x^2} \, dx > -\infty$. 

Various problems in operator theory involve the study of functions $f$ satisfying a weaker condition of decay of $\widehat{f}$ on a half-line. In this setting, simple examples show that the Szeg\H{o} condition need not be satisfied. However, the following local Szeg\H{o}-type conditions hold: if the decay of $\widehat{f}$ is strong enough on a half-line, then the mass of the function $f \in L^2(\mathbb{R})$ must concentrate enough for the integral $\int_E \log |f(x)| dx$ to converge on a "massive" set $E$. 

In his talk, Bartosz Malman will describe this mass condensation phenomenon and its applications to operator-theoretic problems.

Tue, 09 Jun 2026
16:00
L5

Hilbert transforms on graph products of finite von Neumann algebras

Xiaoqi Lu
(Glasgow)
Abstract

The boundedness of Fourier multipliers on non-commutative $L_p$-spaces ($1 < p < \infty$) is a fundamental problem in non-commutative analysis. Building on the non-commutative Cotlar identity introduced by Mei and Ricard (2017), which yields $L_p$-boundedness ($1 < p < \infty$) of Hilbert transforms on amalgamated free products of finite von Neumann algebras, their approach relies heavily on freeness in the underlying free product structure.

In this talk, Xiaoqi Lu introduces a new strategy that overcomes this limitation. Our approach combines a generalized Cotlar identity, which holds on suitable subspaces and captures non-freeness information, with an additional condition related to the property of Rapid Decay to control the remaining components. From this framework, we establish the $L_p$-boundedness ($1 < p < \infty$) of Rademacher-type Hilbert transforms on graph products of finite von Neumann algebras. This unified framework extends earlier results for free products of finite von Neumann algebras and for graph products of groups acting on right-angled buildings. This is a joint work with Runlian Xia.

Tue, 19 May 2026
16:00
L5

TBC

Shanshan Hua
(Münster)
Abstract

to follow

Wed, 20 May 2026
15:00
L4

Quantitative Orbit Equivalence for $\mathbb{Z}$-odometers

Spyridon Petrakos
(Gothenberg)
Abstract

It is known for a long time, due to a celebrated theorem of Ornstein and Weiss, that (classical/plain) orbit equivalence offers no information about ergodic probability measure preserving actions of amenable groups. On the other hand, conjugacy is too intractable, and effectively hopeless to study in full generality. Quantitative orbit equivalence aims to bridge this gap by adding intermediate layers of rigidity— a strategy that has borne fruit already in the late 1960s but was used as a general framework only semi-recently. In this talk, Spyridon Petrakos will introduce aspects of quantitative orbit equivalence and present a complete picture of it for integer odometers. This is joint work with Petr Naryshkin.

Tue, 12 May 2026
16:00
L5

Cartan sub-C*-algebras: existence, variety, and rigidity

Grigoris Kopsacheilis
Abstract

Cartan subalgebras in operator algebras are objects of dynamical nature that have a long history, both in von Neumann algebras and C*-algebras. A II_1 factor can behave in many different ways, from admitting no Cartan subalgebra, to having a unique one, to having unclassifiably many (up to suitable notions of equivalence).

Much less is known for C*-algebras; while many C*-algebras have canonical Cartan subalgebras, these are usually far from unique even if one prescribes certain topological features, as has been established by now mainly via applications of classification theory. In this talk from Grigoris Kopsacheilis, we will discuss some situations showcasing the variety of Cartans that a C*-algebra may exhibit, some relevant open questions, and we shall discuss some examples, namely extensions of C(S^1) by the compacts, where a form of rigidity occurs, in the sense that all their Cartan subalgebras can be described.

The talk is based on joint work with Wilhelm Winter, and joint work (in progress) with Philipp Sibbel.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026
16:00
L5

Invariant Random Subalgebras

Hanna Oppelmayer
(Innsbruck University)
Abstract

The notion of invariant random subgroups (IRS) is a fruitful, well-studied concept in dynamics on groups. In this talk, Hanna Oppelmayer will explain what it is and how to extend this notion to group von Neumann algebras LG, where G is a discrete countable group. We call it invariant random sub-von Neumann algebra (IRA). As an application, Hanna will provide a result concerning amenable IRAs, which generalises (in the discrete setup) a theorem of Bader-Duchesne-Lécureux about amenable IRSs. This is joint work with Tattwamasi Amrutam and Yair Hartman.

The Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) team in Research Services is once again celebrating colleagues doing brilliant public and community engagement work. Building on the success of last term, we’ve reopened nominations and are asking you to nominate people who you think deserve to be recognised.

Image of So
1 April 2026 marks the 250th birthday of Sophie Germain, who is remembered for major contributions to mathematics, ranging from advances in number theory related to Fermat’s Last Theorem to foundational results in elasticity theory. We will celebrate her life and work through four talks for a general audience.
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