Shanks Workshop on Subfactors and Fusion Categories
Recent developments in the study of subfactors, planar algebras and fusion categories will be the focus of a two-day Shanks Workshop hosted by the Department of Mathematics February 13-14, 2010.
The category of bimodules associated to a subfactor forms a natural fusion category. Several “exotic” such categories have been found in recent years, and Jones’ notion of a planar algebra has played a key role in constructing them. The workshop will focus on questions and problems arising in the theory of subfactors, planar algebras and category theory and their interplay. A lot of time for discussions will be available.
Several mathematicians from throughout the U.S. who are active in these areas of research will participate in the workshop. They include Vaughan Jones of the University of California, Berkeley, who will speak on “Linear and Quadratic Tangles,” and Dmitry Nikshych from the University of New Hampshire, who will speak on “How to Peel and Core a Fusion Category.” A complete schedule of talks is available on the?Shanks Workshop on Subfactors and Fusion Categories web site.
Shanks Workshops are a regular feature of the Vanderbilt Department of Mathematics. They allow faculty to host short, intensive events that bring researchers together to share ideas and discuss open problems in a given area of mathematics. Shanks Workshops are funded by an endowment from the family of Baylis and Olivia Shanks.