Fri, 30 Jan 2026
15:00
South Mezz Circulation

OxWIM Day Launch Party

Abstract

Join us for the launch party for our conference for women and non-binary people, OxWIM Day 2026, following Fridays@2. Coffee, tea and cake will be provided. Conference registration is currently open at www.oxwomeninmaths.co.uk

Fri, 23 Jan 2026
12:30
N4.01

Mathematrix Quiz and Pizza Lunch

Abstract

In our first event of term, we have a fun quiz competition to help you get to know other Mathematrix members and a free pizza lunch from White Rabbit! What more could you want?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026

11:00 - 13:00
L4

Renormalization of the subcritical sine-Gordon model

Jaka Pelaic
(Mathematical Institute University of Oxford)
Abstract

We give an introduction to a rigorous renormalization group analysis of the sine-Gordon model with a focus on deriving the lowest-order beta function.

Fri, 06 Mar 2026
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Lie algebras in positive characteristic

Lewis Groves
(University of Bath)
Abstract

The representation theory of Lie algebras over fields of positive characteristic behaves quite differently to the characteristic zero case. For example, in positive characteristic, the dimension of all simple modules is finite and bounded. In this talk, we’ll begin by recalling the classification of finite simple representations of sl_2, and then explore how this changes when we move to the positive characteristic setting. Along the way, we’ll discuss the additional structures that appear in positive characteristic, such as restricted Lie algebras, the p-centre, and reduced enveloping algebras.

Fri, 20 Feb 2026
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Number theory for algebraists

Jakub Dobrowolski
(Queen Mary University of London)
Abstract

In this talk, I'm going to give an introduction to my area of research, which concerns automorphic L-functions. We're going to start by introducing the ring of adeles and how it leads us to an integral representation of the Riemann zeta function. We'll see how this can be generalised for an arbitrary automorphic representation and pose general conjectures which resemble the Riemann Hypothesis. I'll finish by presenting the statement and an idea behind my recent result related to those conjectures.

Fri, 06 Feb 2026
12:00

JART of Problem Solving

Abstract

Bring interesting problems (relating to your research or otherwise) for a unique brainstorming session

Fri, 28 Nov 2025
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Character theory of fusion systems

Tom Lawrence
(University of Loughborough)
Abstract

Fusion systems are a generalisation of finite groups designed in a way to capture local structure at a prime motivated by the existence of "exotic" fusion systems; local structures that do not appear in any finite group. In this talk I will give a brief introduction to fusion systems with emphasis on how they relate to groups. I will then discuss recent work done on fusion invariant character theory, concluding with a short excursion into biset functor theory to state a character value formula for "induction" between fusion systems and a Frobenius reciprocity analogue.

Fri, 13 Feb 2026
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Small essential 2-subgroups in fusion systems

Joshua Bridges
(University of Birmingham)
Abstract

A (saturated) fusion system on a p-group P contains data about conjugacy within P, the typical case being the system induced by a group on its Sylow p-subgroup. Fusion systems are completely determined by looking at their essential subgroups, which must admit an automorphism of order coprime to p. For p=2, we describe two new methods that address the question: given an essential subgroup $E<P$ of a fusion system on P, what can we say about P? In particular, one method gives us sufficient conditions to deduce that $E\triangleleft P$, while the other explores cases where we have strong control over the normaliser tower of E in P.

Fri, 30 Jan 2026
12:00
Quillen Room N3.12

Three realisations of theta functions via the Heisenberg representation

Allan Perez Murillo
(University of Bristol)
Abstract
The classical theta functions appear throughout number theory, geometry, and physics, from Riemann’s zeta function to the projective geometry of abelian varieties. Despite these appearances, theta functions admit a unifying description under the lens of representation theory.
 
In this talk, I will explain how the Heisenberg representation, together with the Stone–von Neumann–Mackey theorem, provides a framework that
identifies three equivalent realizations of theta functions:
  • as holomorphic functions on certain symplectic spaces
  • as matrix coefficients of the Heisenberg (and metaplectic) representation,
  • as sections of line bundles on abelian varieties.
I will describe how these perspectives fit together and, if time permits, illustrate the equivalence through concrete one-dimensional examples. The
emphasis will be on ideas rather than technicalities. I will aim to make the talk self-contained, assuming familiarity with complex geometry and representation theory; background in Lie theory and harmonic analysis will be helpful but not essential.
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