Department of Mathematics

Any countable group $\Gamma$ gives rise to a von Neumann algebra $L(\Gamma)$. The classification of these group von Neumann algebras is a central theme in operator algebras. I will survey recent rigidity results which provide instances when various algebraic properties of groups, such as the existence or absence of a direct product decomposition, are remembered by their von Neumann algebras. Tea at 3:33 pm in Stevenson 1425. (Contact Person:?Jesse Peterson)