In recognition of a lifetime's contribution across the mathematical sciences, we are initiating a series of annual Public Lectures in honour of Roger Penrose. The first lecture will be given by his long-time collaborator and friend Stephen Hawking on 27th October @5pm.
You will find the live podcast here (and also via the University of Oxford Facebook page).
********* Algebraic Geometry Seminar ********* Title: An asymptotic Nullstellensatz for curves
Abstract
Hilbert's Nullstellensatz asserts the existence of a complex point satisfying lying on a given variety, provided there is no (ideal-theoretic) proof to the contrary.
I will describe an analogue for curves (of unbounded degree), with respect to conditions specifying that they lie on a given smooth variety, and have homology class
near a specified ray. In particular, an analogue of the Lefschetz principle (relating large positive characteristic to characteristic zero) becomes available for such questions.
The proof is very close to a theorem of Boucksom-Demailly-Pau-Peternell on moveable curves, but requires a certain sharpening. This is part of a joint project with Itai Ben Yaacov, investigating the logic of the product formula; the algebro-geometric statement is needed for proving the existential closure of $\Cc(t)^{alg}$ in this language.
12:45
Generalized Seiberg-Witten equations and almost-Hermitian geometry
Abstract
I will talk about a generalisation of the Seiberg-Witten equations introduced by Taubes and Pidstrygach, in dimension 3 and 4 respectively, where the spinor representation is replaced by a hyperKahler manifold admitting certain symmetries. I will discuss the 4-dimensional equations and their relation with the almost-Kahler geometry of the underlying 4-manifold. In particular, I will show that the equations can be interpreted in terms of a PDE for an almost-complex structure on 4-manifold. This generalises a result of Donaldson.
An asymptotic Nullstellensatz for curves
Abstract
Hilbert's Nullstellensatz asserts the existence of a complex point satisfying lying on a given variety, provided there is no (ideal-theoretic) proof to the contrary.
I will describe an analogue for curves (of unbounded degree), with respect to conditions specifying that they lie on a given smooth variety, and have homology class
near a specified ray. In particular, an analogue of the Lefschetz principle (relating large positive characteristic to characteristic zero) becomes available for such questions.
The proof is very close to a theorem of Boucksom-Demailly-Pau-Peternell on moveable curves, but requires a certain sharpening. This is part of a joint project with Itai Ben Yaacov, investigating the logic of the product formula; the algebro-geometric statement is needed for proving the existential closure of $\Cc(t)^{alg}$ in this language.
Dame Frances Kirwan has been elected to the Savilian Professorship at the University of Oxford. Frances will be the 20th holder of the Savilian Chair (founded in 1619), and is the first woman to be elected to any of the historic chairs in mathematics.
Frances has received many honours including being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2001 (only the third female mathematician to attain this honour), and President of the London Mathematical Society from 2003-2005 (only the second female ever elected).
Panel Discussion - Academic careers beyond the UK
Maths to the Masses: Outreach and Public Engagement in Mathematics
Panel Discussion - How to make the most of conferences
Oxford Mathematics in partnership with the Science Museum is delighted to announce its first Public Lecture in London. World-renowned mathematician Andrew Wiles will be our speaker. Andrew will be talking about his current work and will also be in conversation with mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry after the lecture. Attendance is free.
28th November, 6.30pm, Science Museum, London, SW7 2DD