Differential Geometry and Topology

6 September 2004 - 12 November 2004

Aims

To bring together experts and younger researchers working in areas involving a combination of techniques from Riemannian, symplectic and complex geometry, gauge theory and topology.

To encourage collaboration between the participants, and exchange of knowledge between research groups based in different continents. A mixture of short instructional courses (3-4 lectures) and regular seminars is envisaged, together with two more intensive weeks of activity.

Research Directions

These will follow the geometry and topology of Riemannian and Kaehler manifolds, including Ricci flow on 3-manifolds, Seiberg-Witten theory on 4-manifolds, complex projective manifolds, Calabi-Yau spaces, and special holonomy. The theory of Einstein metrics will play a role in virtually all aspects of the programme. Participants are likely to work in one or more of the following areas:

1. Extremal Kaehler metrics 2. Kaehler geometry and topology 3. The geometry of 3-manifolds 4. The geometry of 4-manifolds 5. Calabi-Yau spaces and mirror symmetry 6. Reduced holonomy and string theory